Plymouth- Jean Shay, 89, of Plymouth formerly of Wareham, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Benchmark Senior Living at Plymouth Crossing. She was the wife of the late Francis E Shay, Jr.

Born in Lynn, MA, Jean was the daughter of the late Vincent and Anne (Newhall) Meninno. She grew up in Brockton, raised her family in Wareham and retired to Punta Gorda, FL and Asheville, NC. She spent her final years in Middleboro with her daughter, Melodye.

While living in Wareham she was active in many local affairs including serving on the Wareham School Committee, the Republican Town Committee and the High School Building Committee. She was named Wareham Woman of the Year in 1991. Jean enjoyed sewing, gardening, reading, loved doing puzzles and tending her orchids.  

Jean is survived by her children, Donald and (Susan) Hastings of Beaufort, NC, Mary Anne and (Bob) San Juan of Punta Gorda, FL, Kim and (Bruce) Churbuck of East Wareham, Heidi and (John) Harkins of Buzzards Bay and Melodye Conway and her companion William Rabideau of Middleboro. She was the loving grandmother of 25 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

She is also survived by her step daughter Michele and (Larry) Gould of Wareham, step sons Robert Shay of Rhode Island, David Shay, Thomas Shay, John Shay and Vincent Shay all of New York.  She is also survived by many loving relatives and friends.

She is predeceased by her first husband, Donald E. Hastings and her grandson, Brent Hastings.

Donations in her honor may be made to the Herren Project at www.herrenproject.org

Burial will be private in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.  To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com.