My mother Jean Andrews (Gammons) passed away Wednesday (March 5, 2025) at 91.5 years old. She died with immediate family present, and it truly was peaceful.

Jean made the completely lucid decision to “pull her own plug” after a 4 day stay in the hospital. She lived a full and independent life to the literal end. Before dying she was able to clearly speak with family and friends from afar. The entire staff at Miriam Hospital, (associated with Brown University) were all phenomenal humans - another blessing.

She lived oxygen free and enjoyed cigarettes, wine, oysters, and endless conversation (with many of you) until the end. This is the way many others remember her from 60 years ago. Everyone should be able to exit this world in a similar dignified fashion. Jean had many deep lifelong friendships. Her friends were all wonderful human beings. We are thankful to each of you.

Two little known things about her are worth noting. She was a quiet philanthropist, helping many individuals, local businesses, and specific national charities. She was the first woman to ever sit on the National Brick Industry’s board. Men in our industry didn’t know how to handle the “glass ceiling smasher” in 1984.

I am most grateful to my sister Sara Andrews who is simply incredible. She never seeks the spotlight and always tries to do the right things in life. It’s easy to be her brother. Thank you Sara, (Lincoln).

Jean was born on September 7, 1933 in Middleboro, the daughter of the late Elmer L. and Annie L. (MacLeod) Hale, attending local schools. Jean was a graduate of Middleboro High School, Class of 1951. Jean loved her family and that love was returned. She enjoyed hosting parties for class reunions and her Christmas Eve party was memorable. Jean was active in the local "Cranberry Players". She loved horses, turning this affection into a thriving business, the "Thrifty Rider". Following its closure, Jean enjoyed sailing with her husband, who pre-deceased her in 1984.

Upon David’s death she choose to maintain family ownership of the business to preserve the jobs of long term employees.

Beloved wife of the late David B. Andrews, III and Donald Gammons. Loving mother of Sara M. Andrews of Jamestown, Rhode Island and Lincoln D. (Renee) Andrews of Middleboro. Step-mother of Sarah Ciampa (Michael) of Orleans, Lucy Jalbert (David) of Orleans and the late Carl Gammons. Grandmother of Molly (Saransh), Keira, Paige and David. Step-grandmother of Liza and Todd. Step-great grandmother of Kaiden, Thomas, Blake, Benjamin and Bella. Also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Judy, Doug and Lawrence, David and Pam. Sister of the late Chief Justice Allan M. Hale, Everett Hale, Norman and Ruth Hale.

Visiting hours on March 29, 2025 (Saturday) from 3 until 5 PM in the O'Neill Funeral Home, 59 Peirce Street (corner of School Street) Middleboro. Words of Rememberance will begin at 4 PM.

Jean believed in the opportunity for everyone to have a nice smile. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: www.smiletrain.org

To offer your condolences online, please visit our website: www.oneillfuneral.com