Jean F. (Ryan) Priestman

Mrs. Jean F. Priestman, of Maplewood in Weston, died peacefully on October 21, 2021 from a long battle with cancer. Jean was 91, and lived in Waltham for nearly 70 years.

Jean was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island on March 28, 1930, the daughter of the late Richard R. and Elin Wilhomena (Bohman) Ryan and the sister of the late Richard Ryan.

A graduate of Woonsocket High School, she continued her studies at Hill College. On June 21, 1952 she married Arthur Jean Priestman in Sacred Heart Church in Woonsocket and the pair spent more than fifty happy years together until his death on March 30, 2003. While providing a loving and caring home for her family, Jean thrived as an executive secretary for several local companies before retiring in 1992.

Jean was very active with the Waltham Senior Center, the Waltham Garden Club, and was a faithful communicant of Our Lady's Parish. She also served as past-president of the local AARP chapter and was a member of the Professional Secretaries International.

She is survived by her children, Donna Jean St. Pierre (late Lawrence) of Attleboro, Shawna K. Levine (Jeffrey) of Wayland, Kevin A. Priestman (Marisa) of Framingham and Michael A. Priestman of Lynn; grandmother of Diana Priestman, Joshua St, Pierre, Andrew Levine and Melanie Levine.

Calling hours will be at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, October 24th from 2 to 5 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Monday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mt. Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Avenue, Newton, Massachusetts 02459 or to the Waltham Garden Club, c/o Mary Ellen Donovan, 4 Piety Corner Road, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451.