Jean F. McWilliam

GRAFTON, Vt. — Jean F. McWilliam, 85, of Townshend Road in Grafton, Vermont, died Wednesday, April 18, 2018, following a period of declining health.  Jean was born July 16, 1932, in Red Bank, New Jersey, the daughter of Carl and Mabel (Noyes) Feldman and was raised in Summit, New Jersey. She was a graduate of Summit High School and attended the University of Vermont, earning a degree in home economics in 1954.  

She also met her future husband, Edgar McWilliam, at UVM, whom she married upon graduation. The two settled in Grafton and formed a partnership with his parents to operate the family dairy farm. Later that partnership continued as she became one of the founding managers of the Grafton Village Cheese Company. Jean also worked in bank customer service, retiring from First Vermont Bank in Bellows Falls.  She was active in the Congregational Church in Grafton, where she served many years as treasurer and secretary.  She was also a member of the Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Women’s Club of Grafton and was involved with many community projects.  Jean enjoyed travel, particularly trips to the Maine coast. She enjoyed her many friends, was an avid reader, enjoyed photography and Celtic music.

Jean is survived by her husband of nearly 64 years, Edgar McWilliam; daughter Gail McWilliam Jellie and husband David (children, Michael and Emily) of Charlestown; son Bruce McWilliam and wife, Cathy (children, Shannon and Jenna) of Chester; brother–in-law and sister-in-law, John and Ann McWilliam of Hamilton, Ohio; nieces, nephew and many grandnieces and nephews. Jean loved her family and was happiest when the clan was gathered together. Jean’s family was blessed by her love and support through the years.

There will be a funeral service at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 19, at the Grafton Church with burial to follow at Houghtonville Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Grafton Church, P.O. Box 158, Grafton, VT 05146.