Simsbury Obituary: Jean Mulpeter, 85

Jean (Broderick) Mulpeter, 85, of Simsbury and formerly of Hyde Park, NY, passed away Wednesday, March 14, at McLean Health Center in Simsbury. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 40 years, Norman Mulpeter.

Jean was born in Bristol to Thomas and Mary (Halloran) Broderick. She is survived by her brother Donald Broderick, sister Eleanor Connolly and sister-in-law Bernice Finn. She was predeceased by her brother Raymond Broderick. She is survived by her four children (and their families), Michael (and Ginny) Mulpeter, of Unionville, Mark (and Bridgit) Mulpeter and Matthew (and Belinda) Mulpeter, both of Red Hook, NY, and Nancy (and Jim) O’Connell, of Wellfleet, MA. She was enormously proud of her eight grandchildren, Kathleen, Kaleigh, Timothy, Patrick, Kristine, Chloe, James, and Claire. She recognized the unique gifts of each of her grandchildren.

She received a Bachelor of Science in Child Study from Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, and taught briefly in Bristol. She and Norman met in Bristol and, after marrying, settled in Hyde Park, NY where she raised her four children and made lasting friendships. After her children were grown, she resumed teaching elementary school in Hyde Park. Jean fostered a love of learning in her students through her compassion, dedication, and gentle patience.

In the 1960s, Jean and Norman bought a cottage in North Eastham, MA where they spent many happy summers together with Jean’s sister Elly and her family and, eventually, her children’s families. They were gracious hosts who took great pleasure in sharing their beloved Cape Cod with family and friends. They could often be found taking guests fishing on Cape Cod Bay or digging quahogs for Jean’s famous baked stuffed clams. They passed on their love of the Outer Cape to their children, grandchildren and countless friends.

Whether in Bristol, Hyde Park, North Eastham or at McLean, Jean was a devoted friend who treasured her many lifelong friendships. She never forgot a birthday and was famous for her thoughtful cards and beautiful penmanship.

During her retirement, she enjoyed attending lectures and walks at the FDR Home and Vanderbilt Estate, volunteering with the Hyde Park Historical Society and traveling with friends. She was an avid reader and maintained an impressive daily commitment to the Poughkeepsie Journal crossword puzzle.

Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main Street, Route 4, Unionville, on Sunday, March 18 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Unionville at 10:00 am on Monday, March 19. Jean will be buried beside Norman at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Bristol.

During the past three years, Jean was cared for by the remarkable staff of McLean Health Center. The family is extremely grateful for the love and support she received at McLean and especially to the very caring staff of the Abernathy Unit and the Hospice Team.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to McLean Health Center either online at www.mcleancare.org (select “Support”) or by mail to McLean Health Center, Attn: Development, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CT 06070.