Jean Mary Fletcher Macey, age 94 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died on Friday, January 21, 2022, at Hunterdon Care Center, Raritan Township, NJ, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Rochester, Kent, England on February 18, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Otho John and Rose Ellen Fletcher. Emigrating with her husband and young family to the United States in 1964, the family would live in Chicago, IL, and East Rutherford, Allamuchy, Mt. Arlington, and Three Bridges, NJ.

Growing up during the harsh realities of World War II, as the youngest of six girls, never hardened Jean’s heart to the love the truly exists in God’s kingdom. Her upbringing would find a set of parents who were caring, believed in education and passed these attributes onto their brood, who ranged from age 26 to infancy. This large age difference never affected the tight sibling relationships, as they were each there for all the others through life in whatever way was needed. Time and distance never separated the true familial bond that was weaved throughout the Fletcher household and over the years, many happy memories were made just by simply gathering as sisters, sipping tea, and reminiscing as they walked through their home gardens.

Jean’s life would change dramatically when at a military dance, she would spot a handsome young Lieutenant in the Royal Army, Kenneth John Macey. They would soon become a couple, and their love an inspiration to everyone they met. Their relationship was natural and based on respect and friendship. Marrying on September 4, 1955, the couple shared sixty-four amazing years together, with their love not ending, but just changing with his passing in 2019.

With Ken’s personality being that of a true ‘explorer’ and having several close friends who had come to the United States, he convinced Jean that America was a true, “land of opportunity.” The family soon would then move “across the pond” to create a better life for them all.

With both of Jean and Ken being industrious, it was decided that Ken would work, and Jean ensure that the home was well run, and the children raised properly. With work duties having Ken travel often, Jean truly earned the title of homemaker and more importantly, that of ‘mother’. She was devoted to her children, ensuring that from nutrition, to education, to common sense, both her daughter, Louise, and son, Jonathan, were well versed in all the ways needed to be successful and happy in life. She instilled in them a set of English values, never allowing them to forget their roots. She was there for them in all ways with a love that is best described as, ‘unconditional’. Her selfless nature allowed her to always put her family’s needs before her own, and by doing that she set an example for anyone to follow.

Having many hobbies, maintaining a proper English garden at each of her homes was primary among them. Besides it helping to sooth a sense of longing for home, it also allowed her creativity and artistic nature to shine. From distinct designs to classical marvels, Jean’s gardens rivaled any of those pictured on a magazine cover.

Jean also enjoyed playing tennis and golf and was a longtime member of Panther Valley Golf and Country Club with her husband who also enjoyed those sports. The pair also enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places and cultures, so besides heading back home to England to spend time with her sisters and family, they happily traveled the globe. During retirement they became snowbirds and greatly enjoyed the ocean, especially places such as Key West, FL, Cape May, NJ, and Hilton Head, SC.

Agatha Christie once wrote, “A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” Angelic, kind, giving and devoted are but a few words that describe this matriarch whose stamp of unconditional love is marked on all those whom she touched during her life, and all those she will continue to touch through the actions of those she inspired. Her Christian faith reminded her daily that that she would see her beloved Ken and her parents and sisters again, and she would surely want us all to be reminded during this time that we too will see her again, in a place where there is no pain nor suffering, but only light, peace and hope.

In addition to her parents and husband, Jean was preceded in death by all her siblings, Jill, May, Winifred, Nen, and Margaret; as well as by her and Ken’s faithful canine companions, Misty and Oscar.

Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Louise and Michael Simms; her son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Jeanmarie Macey; her grandchildren, Andrew and his wife, Liz Macey, Keith and his wife, Kelly Macey, and Robert Macey; her three great grandchildren, Jack Macey, Rosie Macey and Waverly James Macey; and many dear friends.

There will be a period of gathering with family and friends on Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

This will be followed by a celebration of Jean’s life at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. Lauretta Market, at 3:30 p.m. and to which all are welcome.

Cremation at Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ, was private under the direct supervision of the Wright & Ford Licensed Care Team Family.

You are encouraged to visit Jean’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in Jean’s honor and memory to your local chapter of the ASPCA.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”