Jean B. Halper

Jean Margarite Bassett Halper, July 14, 2021, 9 days before her 95th birthday. Jean was predeceased by her husband Noah I. Halper, brothers, Milton (Sass) Bassett and John Bassett, both of Vermont, and parents, Milton and Marguerite Bassett (Schwerdtle) of Fairfield Connecticut. She is survived by her sons Craig Halper (Jennifer) of Ross Township, Mark Halper (Lisa Lipman) of Bristol England, and David Halper (Cathy Hill) of Geneva, Illinois. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and her sister-in-law, Nancy Bassett of Vermont.

Jean was born in Fairfield, Connecticut on July 23rd, 1926. The only daughter of Milton and Marguerite Bassett, Jean was beloved by her parents and two older brothers. Throughout her life she shared fond memories of time spent with her family, and then later her husband and children, vacationing in Vermont or Fairfield Beach on Long Island Sound.

Compassionate by nature, Jean graduated from nursing school in her early 20s and spent her career working in hospitals, primarily in labor and delivery and finishing in pediatrics. During WWII she was a nurse in the US Cadet Nurse Corps, providing care to soldiers. Even after retirement, Jean was proud of being a nurse.

Jean married Noah I. Halper on September 19, 1953, and they spent 65 years together before his death in December 2018. Living in Albany, New York, Cherry Hill, New Jersey and later in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Jean and Noah raised three sons. As the boys grew and moved away, Jean and Noah enjoyed traveling to destinations around the globe, gathering with friends, playing bridge and a trip or two to the local casinos. They spent a great deal of time with their grandchildren, who all share fond memories of fireworks in the backyard, pancake lunches and ice cream treats. Jean is remembered by her grandchildren for her love of solitaire, kindness, smile, and wave.

Jean had a wonderful sense of humor and an even-temper. She enjoyed funny stories and had a knack for finding the best birthday cards. She greeted everyone with a heart-warming smile. Her laugh always brightened the room. She was straightforward and thoughtful and made those around her feel loved.

Good to the core (Alzheimer's stripped her memory but not her truly kind soul) but never one for grand displays of emotion, Jean would encourage us to move quickly through the sadness of grief. If she saw her loved ones crying right now, she would ask why and then say "That's a shame" in a way that would make them feel like she understood and sympathized. Then she would ask what was for dinner. So as we say good-bye, we will cry for our loss, accept hugs and condolences from those in our circle and then continue living our lives, all the better for having known Jean but not burdened by the sadness of her death. Remember the life not the death. That is what she would have wanted. There is no doubt.

In death, Jean was able to rejoin Noah. Here together for 65 years, Now together forever. A private service will be held for immediate family only.

In lieu of cards and flowers, please consider making a donation to support Alzheimer's research. Alzheimer's is a thief and must be eradicated.

https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1

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