Obituary of Jean Marie Testa

Jean Marie Testa passed away Thursday night, January 5, 2017 with her family at her bedside. She was 75 years old. Jean was born and raised in Brighton. She was the daughter of the late William and Florence Christie. Jean and her husband Vinnie were high school sweet hearts and prom dates. She was married at 18 and has spent her life caring for all her family. Jean was a “Giver”. She did whatever she could for her family and friends to make them happy. She was the rock upon whom all her family relied upon. She was there for everyone. Her home was an open door and all were welcomed. Jean was the care giver. She watched over her children, supported them in their activities and life choices. She was there to celebrate their triumphs and supported them when they stumbled. Her connection with her grandchildren began at their birth which she was present for all and continued through their lives. She nurtured and cared for most of her grandchildren as their parents worked. She was also present for the births of her some of her nieces and nephews whom she cared for deeply. Jean wanted nothing more than to make a difference in the lives of others. Her love stretched to extended family, friends, and even her children’s friends. If someone needed a helping hand or a place to stay, Jean was always there without any hesitancy or indecision. She simply wanted to make a difference in the lives of others that resonated from a deep devotion of love and concern for those around her. She was the glue that kept all her family together sharing each other’s love and creating a strong family bond. There was no doubt about Jean’s love for her family, because she constantly shared that “She Loved Them”. Jean was also a person who enjoyed having fun. Her home was always filled with laughter. Jean hosted all the holidays, birthday dinners, pool parties, and countless family gatherings. Family traditions were important, like Thanksgiving celebrated at Loon Mountain with family sleeping where ever they could find an open space. Jean was a great Italian cook and took dinner requests on your birthday. She loved family vacations that started as car trips to Washing D.C. and Niagara Falls, and became more elaborate with destinations including Aruba, St. Thomas, St. Martin, and Venezuela. She didn’t miss anything. She was always at her children’s and grandchildren’s school and sporting events. Her passing creates a deep void in her family, but Jean’s memory, devotion, and love will forever remain in the hearts of all she cared for. Jean was the beloved wife of the late Vincent Testa, Jr. She was the loving mother of John Testa & his wife Jamie of New Orleans, Lisa Doten & her husband James of Burlington, Florence Testa & her partner Bonnie Robitaille of Milford, NH, Jeanmarie Goudreault & her husband Daniel of North Andover and Janet Testa-Fox & her husband Richard Fox of Hollis, NH. Jean was the proud grandmother of Michele Popham, John, Michael & James Testa, Erica & Amanda Doten, Nathan & Joshua Goudreault, Brandon & Emily Fox and great grandmother of Kobe & Kaleb Popham and Allarie & Vinny Testa. Jean was the sister of James Christie & his wife Mary of Brighton, George Christie & his wife Margie of Burlington and the late William, Janet & Lawrence Christie. Sister-in-law of Megan Carney & her husband Cliff. Jean was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins all of whom she adored. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt., 128, Woburn side) on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. Followed by Funeral Services at Mt. Hope Christian Center at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Wednesday Jan. 11 from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Jean’s name may be made to the VNA of Middlesex East & Visiting Nurse Hospice, 607 North Ave., Suite 17, Wakefield, MA 01880.