Published in the October 13, 2017 edition
STONEHAM — Jeanne L. (Ayer) Lightbown, of Stoneham, formerly of Melrose, passed away peacefully at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at age 84.
Jeanne was born in Boston on November 5, 1932, daughter of the late John L. Ayer and Geneva (Ring) Ayer. Raised in Winthrop, she graduated from Winthrop High School and Bunker Hill Community College. Jeanne began working as an LPN at the Chelsea Soldiers Home. While working she received training to become a Registered Nurse and worked as an RN for 18 years at the Chelsea Soldiers Home. She settled in Melrose with her husband Frank and raised a family of four children.
Jeanne was a fun loving, gregarious woman with a love for laughter. With a great sense of humor and compassionate nature, she was universally well liked by her many friends. Jeanne was always willing to lend a helping hand to her friends, neighbors and family.
In her free time, she loved playing cards, especially bridge, or doing crossword puzzles. She volunteered as the secretary of the Melrose Women’s Club, and served on the Board of the Kidney Foundation.
Known by all as “Nana,” Jeanne was a devoted mother, and a proud, doting grandmother.
Jeanne was the former wife of the late Frank Lightbown, Jr. Devoted mother of Gail R. Lightbown of Coconut Creek, Florida, William J. Lightbown and his wife Karen of St. Simons Island, Georgia, Mark C. Lightbown and his wife Joanne of Atkinson, New Hampshire, and Nancy L. Lightbown and her longtime companion James Boyle of Rye, New Hampshire. Cherished Nana of Michelle Lightbown, Jessica Lightbown, Michael Lightbown, John Lightbown, and the late Jaime Marshall. Loving great-grandmother of Dominic and Isabella.
Relatives & friends are invited to gather in honor of Jeanne’s life at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose during visiting hours on Monday, Oct. 16 from 10-11a.m., followed by her funeral service at 11a.m. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Contributions in Jeanne’s memory may be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Oncology Dept., 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.
