Obituary of Jean M. Dittrick

Jean M. Dittrick, age 93, passed away May 7, 2014 at the Baypath Nursing Home in Duxbury, while surrounded by loved ones, and the most caring staff a family could ask for, including members of Cranberry Hospice. Jean made many friends during her three years while at Baypath Nursing Home. Jean was born Marion Jean Mercer to Charles and Elizabeth Mercer in White Plains, NY and was best known as Jean. Jean grew up in New York, then in her adult years moved to Cohasset, then to Whittier, CA where she pursued her many interests. Jean graduated from Cal State Fullerton with her Masters Degree in Archaeology and Anthropology. She was fluent in Japanese. Jean loved singing in the choir, and playing the piano, going to auctions, gardening, and walking on the beach; always with her head down looking for fossils, rocks, and shells. Jean worked as a Medical Research Librarian at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles for many years. She spent many hours volunteering at the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits giving tours to visitors from all over the world and discussing such animals as the Saber tooth Tiger, and the Wooly Mammoth and others of the Ice Age which had become trapped in the tar pits only to be discovered 40 thousand years later. Jean relocated back to Massachusetts to be closer to family. She continued to volunteer with the New England Aquarium speaking at various points of interest throughout the aquarium. She served with the South Shore Elder Services for several years. Jean loved the ocean and had learned to sail at the young age of 75 at the Cohasset Sailing Club. Jean loved her house in Hull which was on the Bay where she could sit on the porch and watch the boats and loved the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Jean was predeceased by her parents, sisters, Grace and Barbara, brother John, and Husband Arthur L. Dittrick. She is survived by her son James L. Gallagher of Pembroke, formerly of Cohasset. Her daughters Cynthia J. Hevey of Edgewater, FL, and Kingston, and Carol B. Runey and her husband James of Kingston, also formerly of Cohasset. Jean is survived by 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. Private services will be held at the MA National Cemetery in Bourne at a later date. Donations in memory of Jean can be made to Cranberry Area Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326, Plymouth, MA 02360