Jean Meckensturm Bousa

Jean Meckensturm Bousa passed at age 90 on August 1, 2022 in Jupiter, Florida after complications from pneumonia. Jean was born in New Britain, Connecticut on Memorial Day, May 30,1932. She was the vibrant only child of Gladys (Budney) and Edward Meckensturm. She studied at Mary Immaculate Academy in New Britain and later the University of Connecticut, where she graduated in 1954 with a degree in Zoology. With talents in both science and art, Jean was a gifted pianist. Her piano playing brought her and her family great joy for much of her long life. Jean met her extraordinary husband of 65 years while at UConn, when Joseph Bousa noticed a car on campus with dealer plates and determined he must meet the woman in the driver's seat. Jean's father was a Chrysler Plymouth dealer and Joe’s father was a GMC Truck dealer. Jean had a great smile, was a stunning brown eyed beauty, and she fell for Joe's bright blue eyes. They wed and moved to Bloomfield, CT in 1957. While Joe started his first job at IBM, Jean taught 8th grade in Windsor, CT before starting their family. Her son, Edward, was born in 1958, followed by John (Jack) in 1961. They were charter members of the new Hop Meadow Country Club in 1962 in Simsbury, CT. In 1967, the family moved to Simsbury and flourished in the golf, tennis, and social scene at Hop Meadow Country Club. Here Jean began her long association as a great teacher and coach with Junior Golf, chairing the program at Hop Meadow. The 'Hop Meadow' years became some of their most cherished memories before Joe's career at IBM took their family all over the Northeast. In 1970, Joe was elevated to IBM’s Boston office and the family settled in Westwood, MA. A year later, Jean and Joe bought a beach cottage in Popponesset Beach and joined the Country Club of New Seabury. Jean was the 1973 Green Course Women's Club Champion and chaired the Junior Golf program for many years. 49 happy summers on the Cape followed. In 1995, they moved from New Jersey in 1994 to a home on the water in New Seabury with ample room for boats and grandchildren. Clamming became a family pastime - and a steady supply of quahogs led to Jean’s to delicious stuffed clam recipe! In 1974, Joe was elevated to IBM's Office Products Division headquarters in New Jersey. The family relocated to Upper Saddle River, NJ and joined The Tuxedo Club, which became an integral part of their lives. Jean's musical gifts kept growing: she learned to play the banjo and her talents made her the life of the party! Jean and Joe became Florida residents in 1999. They built a home in Nokomis on the Mission Valley Country Club golf course, which became the perfect place for Jean to host family and friends. Jean threw countless parties, and was renowned for writing birthday songs celebrating her pals, accompanying her lyrics on piano or banjo. Her exceptional cooking made every party even sweeter. In 2012, Jean suffered a stroke which left her needing more support. Two years later, Jean and Joe joined son Edward and his family at the Jupiter Hills Club, Tequesta, FL. In 2019, they moved to Senior Living at Mangrove Bay in Jupiter. Jean's celebratory spirit will be carried on by her loving husband Joseph, sons Edward (Maureen) and John (fiancee Alison Haran), grandchildren Marina Morrissey (Patrick), Eamon Bousa (Audrey); Bridget Bousa and Monica Bousa; and great-granddaughters Frances and Mary Louise Morrissey. A celebration of Jean's life will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Mt. Benedict Cemetery, West Roxbury, MA.

Jean Meckensturm Bousa

May 30, 1932 - August 1, 2022