Joan (Jean) R. (Grosso) MacConnell

Newport, NH - Joan (Jean) MacConnell died on August 17, 2019, after a short illness surrounded by the love of her family; she was 88 years old. Joan was born January 10, 1931 to Francesco and Rose Bellino Grosso in Worcester, Massachusetts and graduated from Commerce High School in 1949. She worked as a bookkeeper in the cost accounting department at Joy Manufacturing for more than 30 years.

Jean was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Frank (Pup) MacConnell, her parents, and brothers Tony, Louis, Sammy and Johnny Grosso, and sister Nancy Estaphan. Jean leaves behind her two loving sons, Frank III and Anthony, and their wife and partner, Ann and Kathie, and four wonderful and devoted granddaughters: Leslie, Mali, Bryanna, and Danielle and daughter-in-law Teriko. Her extended family includes nieces, nephews and cousins from the Grosso, Bellino and MacConnell families, who made it a point to see her regularly, call her on the phone, or help her navigate her Facebook page so that she could stay in touch.

Jean's life had two great passions, her family and her community. With Pup, she was one of the founders of the Newport Booster Club, was Secretary of the Mt. Sunapee Ski Club and the Newport Alumni Association, held many dinners for the Newport athletes, was a board member on the Newport Library Arts Center, and participated in numerous community fundraisers. She and Pup, along with Frank III, owned Bob Skinner's Ski and Sports, and with Anthony, owned Bryanna's Restaurant, making everyone who shopped or ate at the establishments feel welcome.

When Frank died, Jean took over his seat as County Commissioner, serving from 1996 to 1999 and worked hard to complete the projects Pup began, especially ensuring the Memory Care Wing of the Sullivan County Nursing Home was completed. She spent many hours visiting with residents and staff at the Nursing Home.

Family, a passion she always had, became a mission in the last 10 years. She began searching for her brother's and mother's family with the tenacity for which she was well known. Bringing the entire family together in 2016 for a family reunion  was a dream come true for Jean. Her nieces, nephews and cousins of all ages came from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Florida and California to celebrate, tell stories and laugh. With a twinkle in her eye, and her dry humor which at times was irreverent, she added to the celebration and to the laughter. She was the matriarch of this large and loving family.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Jean's life on Wednesday, August 21 at 11 AM at St. Patrick's Church in Newport, NH.  Burial will immediately follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Joan's name to the Lake Sunapee Visiting Nurses & Hospice Association, PO Box 2209, New London, NH 03257.

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