Obituary: Jessie Brockett, 96, of Branford

Jessie Brockett of Branford died Tuesday September 13, 2016 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. She was the wife of the late Elmer Brockett. Jessie was born April 21, 1920 in Waites, NY, daughter of the late Harmon and Marie Vander Veer Taconis.

She grew up on Sagal-lou's farm in Branford, a large dairy farm which her father managed. Jessie joined the Canoe Brook PTA in the early 1960's. She eventually worked her way up to President of the PTA Council which oversaw all of Branford schools PTA's.

She worked actively to promote the best interests of children with the Branford, State and the National PTA. Her dedication to the PTA was paramount, even her car license plate read "PTA."

She was an advocate for children and wished to be remembered as such, often stating "If I made a difference in one child's life then my life was worthwhile." She was a stay at home mom for almost 25 years raising six boys who eventually grew into good men who lead happy, productive lives.

When her youngest son was in school Jessie took a job at the Branford Poly Clean Laundromat, eventually becoming the manager. She later worked for Sears in the same shopping center. Jessie was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Branford, and she sang in the Branford Bicentennial Choir and with the Branford Chorale for many years.

Jessie is survived by five of her sons, William Brockett of Bridgeton, ME, Thomas Brockett of Branford, Ronald Brockett of Keyser, W. VA., Timothy Brockett of Emigrant, MT, and Terry Brockett of Newmarket, NH; 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great- grandchildren; and her sister Winnie Mundinger of Barre, VT. She was predeceased by her son Lawrence Brockett, and her sisters, Catherine Shebell and Martha Sweet.

Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral service Tuesday September 20, 2016 at 10:00 am in the First Baptist Church, and may call prior to the service from 9:00 – 10:00 at the church. Burial will follow in Center Cemetery, Branford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the First Baptist Church of Branford, 975 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405.