Jeanne Marie (Ouellette) Brighenti

Jeanne Marie Brighenti, 89, passed away peacefully on June 22, surrounded by her loving children.

Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on March 11, 1937, Jeanne was the daughter of Anne Corcoran Ouellette and Adolph Alphonse Ouellette. She attended Notre Dame School in Pittsfield and graduated from Lenox Memorial High School.

Jeanne was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Paul and Homer Ouellette; her sister, Ann Flint; her nephew, Paul; and many other loved ones who welcomed her home.

After the loss of her parents, Jeanne was lovingly raised by her sister Ann “Babe” Flint and became an integral part of the Flint family. She shared close bonds with her brother-in-law, Neal Flint, and with her nieces and nephews, Paul, Ann, Cynthia, and Ed, who were like siblings to her. She is also survived by her goddaughter and niece, Monica, and her nephew, Mark.

Jeanne married and settled in Lee, where she devoted herself to raising her four children: Maureen Soules; Barbara Abderhalden (Scott); Joseph Brighenti (Kristen); and Charles Brighenti (Tonya).

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Jeanne, Jason, William, Eric, Scott, Justin, Sadie, Dylan, Derek, Torie, and Julia. She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Landon, Tye, Aubrie, Lincoln, Sylas, Styles, Jack, Rio, Avery, and William.

Jeanne is also survived by her dear friend of more than 50 years, Sandra Cummings, whose friendship brought her joy throughout her life.

Jeanne retired from Country Curtains, where she worked as a commercial seamstress. Even in retirement, she remained active, taking on small jobs, volunteering her time, and pursuing the many hobbies she loved. She enjoyed cooking, crafting, knitting, crocheting, gardening, tending flowers, singing in the choir at St. Mary’s Church in Lee, dancing, swimming, sharing jokes, and spending time with her beloved cats.

Known for her optimism, Jeanne always saw the glass as half full. Her deep faith, strong will, resilience, and joyful spirit carried her through life’s challenges and inspired those around her. She had a remarkable ability to find happiness in simple things and to make others feel welcome, valued, and loved.

To know Jeanne was to love her. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, and woman of faith whose kindness and warmth touched countless lives. Her legacy of love, perseverance, and compassion will live on in all who knew her.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 9th, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Kelly Funeral Home in Lee. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 10th, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Lee, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery in Pittsfield.

Jeanne requested that you not wear black to her funeral, as it is her Alleluia day.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Jeanne’s memory in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA  01238.