Jean Whiting Patenaude-Lane, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on July 13, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on April 2, 1943, in Plymouth, she was the beloved daughter of the late Hector and Jean (Whiting) Patenaude. Known to childhood friends as Joni, she later adopted the French spelling of her name, Jeanne.
Growing up in Plymouth, Jeanne attended local schools and formed lifelong friendships in town and at her family’s place at Boot Pond. She left Plymouth to attend Connecticut College, graduating in 1965, and took her psychology degree to New York City, where she worked in child development research at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. During her time spent at the Institute’s research library, she met its helpful librarian, David Lane, who would become her beloved husband of more than four decades. New York was her second hometown, and after the birth of her daughter, Jennifer, Jeanne delighted in introducing the city’s vibrant culture to her as a full-time mother. She also dedicated herself to the revitalization of the city’s parks, devoting countless hours to volunteer work in the Conservatory Garden and Bryant Park.
Jeanne returned to Plymouth later in life to help care for her parents. Here, she continued to expand and pursue her wide interests, including poetry, meditation, art, and local politics. She served for many years as a Town Meeting representative.
Jeanne is survived by her daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Naoki Fujita, grandson James, cousin (and honorary sister) Bonnie Stacy, and her dear niece and nephews. She was predeceased by her devoted husband David and her beloved sister Anne Patenaude.
A memorial service will take place on Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m., at the Church of the Pilgrimage, 15 Town Square, Plymouth. The family invites all who knew and loved Jeanne to remember her unique spirit, celebrating a heart that touched so many.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in her memory to Heifer International or to a local charity of your choice. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cartmell-Davis Life Celebration Funeral Homes.