Jean F. (O'Shea) Harden

Jean F. (O’Shea) Harden, age 78, of Merrimac, MA, died Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Anna Jaques Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late John W. Harden, who passed on January 26, 2020. 

Born in Newburyport, MA on July 29, 1946, she was the daughter of the late James and Frances (McGlew) O’Shea. After her early childhood in Newburyport, the family moved to a home at The Sunshine Dairy Farm on High Road in Newbury. She was part of the graduating class of 1965, from Newburyport High School. She worked for many years as the office manager at The Gables in Farmington, CT and cared for the residents there as family.

Jean loved children and in addition to running an in-home daycare, she also took in foster children. A devoted mother, Jean was also a Girl Scout leader for her daughter’s troop. She was a genealogy enthusiast and served on the Board of Directors for the Sons and Daughters of the First Settlers of Newbury. She loved all animals, but especially German Shepherds that she raised and trained as show dogs. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, collecting dolls, and watching Boston Sports, especially her Boston Red Sox. Jean was an avid knitter, and you could always count on her to make beautiful blankets and sweaters for a new baby, O’Shea family slippers, and Santa Christmas Stockings. If you were on the receiving end of one of her beautiful creations, you knew you were loved. 

Jean will lovingly be remembered by her daughter, Kathryn Harden of Merrimac; a brother, James O’Shea and wife Joann of Virginia Beach, VA; a sister, Janis Michel and husband Scott of Merrimac, along with several nieces and nephews, extended family and many dear friends. 

Visiting hours will be held at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 11 A.M. to 12 P.M. immediately followed by a Funeral Service at 12 P.M. A private Graveside Service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport, where she will be laid to eternal rest. Donations in her memory can be made to the Merrimack Valley Feline Rescue Society, 63 Elm Street, Salisbury, MA 01952.