Jean M. Michniewicz

RINDGE - Jean M. (Abbott, Truehart) Michniewicz 74 of 40 Pulaski Dr., Rindge, NH, formerly of Athol, went home to be with the Lord on July 1, 2006, seven months after being diagnosed with lung cancer. She passed peacefully at her home surrounded by her loviing family. She leaves her beloved family, her daughter Nancy J. Gerry and her husband, Peter, her son Robert (Larry) Truehart and his wife Carol, all of Athol. Grandchildren Kelly Dalbec and her husband Michael, Amanda Spadazzi and her husband Michael all of Rutland, MA, Jason Gerry of Orange, Daniel Truehart and his wife Tanya of Athol, Jessica Canning and her husband Dennis and Jennifer Truehart and her fiance Ryan Brooks (to be wed on July 8, 2006) all of Orange. Great grandchildren Caitlyn Gallagher, Jonathan Dalbec, Zayden and Dane Gerry, Olivia Spadazzi, Megan and Allison Truehart and Zachery Canning. Her sister Genevieve Volpe and husband Michael of Milford, MA and a brother Philip Abbott of Lebanon, OR, along with several nieces and nephews. Her stepfamily, Edward Michniewicz and wife Doris of Louden, NH, who lovingly cared for her many weekends, Linda Langevin and husband Brian of Phillipston and Ysabella Bradley and husband Ron of Long Beach, CA along with many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. She also leaves many dear friends including her neighbors, Antoinette, Donald and Jodie Johnson. Her caregivers Debra Howard, Betty Simmer, Leta Markham, Ellen Clarke, and the Hospice team whose loving care enabled her to remain at home during the last four months. She was predeceased by her husband Stanley A. Michniewicz who died in 2001 and a brother, Robert C. Abbott. Jean was born in Royalston, MA on December 15, 1931, the daughter of Robert H. and Lydia F. Abbott. She spent her early years in Royalston, moving to Athol in her teens and graduating from Athol High School in 1949. She worked at the First National Store for a number of years up until her retirement. In 1974 she moved to her lakeside home in Jaffrey, NH where she became well known for her participation in local flea markets and craft fairs. Jean loved the Maine seacoast and five days prior to her death was blessed to visit Ogunquit and enjoy baked stuffed lobster and ice cream at "Browns" one more time. She loved nature, especially bird watching and hand feeding the chipmunks she befriended. Jean also loved flowers and gardening and on the day of her passing was blessed to sit in the sun in her garden. He love of cooking and baking was passed on to her children and grandchildren who especially enjoyed her peanut butter fudge and "killer" brownies. Jean deeply loved and was deeply loved by her family and friends. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and took great pride and delight in them. Jean was a caring, compassionate and gracious person who lived her life humbly putting the needs of others before her own even to her last day. Her selfless love shone forth even more brightly when in the year prior to her diagnosis of lung cancer she received Christ as her Savior and began her walk with Him. She found great comfort in reading her Daily Devotional Bible and in having others pray with her. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and neighbors as was made evident by their many cards, visits and acts of kindness towards her during her final months. Calling hours will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home Tuesday, July 4, 2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, July 5, 2006 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. with a service to follow in North Quabbin Bible Church at 11:00 a.m., 1314 West Royalston Road, Athol. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Gardner, MA. Flowers may be sent or donations made to HCS Home Health Care Hospice and Community Service, P.O. Box 564, 312 Marlboro St., Keene, NH 03431 or to the Athol Bird and Nature Club, c/o Robert Coyle, 1978 Chestnut Hill Avenue, Athol, MA 01331. $(document).ready(function(){ });