Obituary of Jean T. Saxe

Jean T. Saxe, a cherished teacher, devoted wife, and loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the age of 76.

Born in Cambridge, Jean was the daughter of Joseph and Thelma Meranda. She graduated from Mount St. Joseph Academy and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Newton College of the Sacred Heart, which is now part of Boston College. A brilliant student, Jean was awarded a prestigious scholarship to Northeastern University, where she earned her Master's Degree in Mathematics. It was at Northeastern that she met Michael Saxe, a fellow student. Their shared passion for learning made them study partners, and what began as an academic collaboration soon blossomed into love. A year later, they were married.

While Michael pursued a career in academia, Jean found her calling as a high school math teacher. She began her teaching career at a Catholic high school, then moved on to Dedham High School. The following year Jean was hired by Jim Curtin at Burlington High School, where she became the only woman in the Math Department. She taught at Burlington High for over four decades, retiring at the age of 64. Over the years, she taught AP Calculus, Math Analysis, and numerous honors classes. Her students adored her, and her colleagues respected her for her dedication, knowledge, and work ethic. Jean's teaching was characterized by her ability to engage, communicate, and make complex concepts accessible. She was patient, encouraging, and always available to help students, whether through extra tutoring sessions or simply offering words of support.

Jean’s passion for math extended beyond the classroom. She was the coach of the high school’s math league team, where her dry wit and unique sense of humor helped foster a positive, motivating environment. Her famous story about naming her children “Pythagoras” and “Euclid” was delivered so convincingly that many of her students believed it to be true. While Jean’s classes were challenging and her standards high, her students learned far more than just mathematics. She taught them how to approach challenges in life with the same logical problem-solving mindset that math requires: breaking down problems into manageable pieces to find solutions. Jean’s impact on her students extended well beyond their academic lives, helping them develop confidence, resilience, and the ability to persevere.

After retiring, Jean continued to share her expertise through private tutoring and proctoring SAT and MCAS exams at Burlington High School. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to her neighbor’s and friend’s children, never simply providing answers but teaching others how to find them. Her love for teaching was only rivaled by her joy in seeing her former students thrive in their careers and lives.

At home, Jean was the foundation of her family. In a household full of boys, Jean was the one who kept everyone on track, from managing schedules to maintaining order. She and Michael shared 54 wonderful years together, and their bond was one of quiet strength, mutual respect, and unwavering love. Jean never sought attention for her intellect or accomplishments, preferring instead to remain modest and humble. Despite her accomplishments, she was always reserved, with a quiet grace and gentle demeanor.

Jean cherished family vacations, particularly their yearly trips to Florida. A highlight of her later years was a family trip to London, a journey that brought her great joy despite her ongoing illness. As a mother and grandmother, Jean was the epitome of care, nurturing, and devotion. Her family was her world, and she remained steadfast in her love and support for them, no matter the challenges she faced.

Throughout her illness, Michael was by her side, providing constant care and companionship. Even in her final days, Jean remained more concerned for the well-being of her family than for herself. Her strength, kindness, patience, and sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew her.

Jean was the beloved wife of Michael Saxe.  She was the proud mother of David Saxe of Stow & his wife Lori Deal and Richard Saxe of Wallingford PA & his wife Jennie.  She was the proud grandmother of Daniel, Scott, Joshua, and Kevin Saxe.  She was the daughter of Thelma (Ferdinand) Meranda of Noth Andover and the late Joseph Meranda.  She was the sister of Ruth Asadoorian & her husband Greg of Raynham, Joseph Meranda & his wife Dianne of Haverhill, Carol DeVincent & her husband Bob of Haverhill, Mary Regal & her husband Steve of Billerica, and Linda Bell & her husband Scott of Winthrop.  She was the sister-in-law of Joseph Saxe of Wellington, FL and Steven and Donna Saxe of Marblehead.  Jean was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visiting hour will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Friday, November 29 from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m.  Followed by a graveside service at Pine Haven Cemetery, Bedford Street, Burlington at 1 p.m.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. 

Memorials in Jean’s name may be made to the Burlington Community Scholarship Foundation, www.bcsfds.dollarsforscholars.org, P.O. Box 1205, Burlington, MA 01803.

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.