Jean Wilson Obituary

Wilson, Jean

Jean was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts to John Joseph Ambrose and Mary Kelly Ambrose. She was the youngest of three children. She attended St. James Grammar School where she met her future husband in the first grade. Always a beauty, Jean went on to St. James High School where she was crowned Prom Queen her senior year. Her studies took her to the University of Massachusetts Lowell where she majored in Education and became an elementary school teacher. Later she earned a Master's degree in Education at Salem State University.

She married her partner and love of her life Edmund James Wilson on July 2, 1966. This combination worked beautifully for over 57 years as Jean was the ballast to Ed's sails. They settled in Maine and Jean began working as a grade school teacher. Soon after they moved to New York City where she taught in Harlem. A job offer for Ed from Northwestern University propelled them to begin a new life in Glenview, Illinois. Jean grew to love life in the Midwest although she never really lost her New England accent and classic sense of style.

Jean had two daughters, Katie Wilson Hill (Terry) and Karen Wilson Carioscia (Mike) and was blessed with 6 wonderful grandchildren, Laura Hill Kerr (Eric), Ryan Hill, Johnny Hill, Jenna Carioscia, Kevin Hill, and Matthew Carioscia. Jean was also lucky to have fantastic siblings, Pat Ambrose Miller and Jack Ambrose, as well as may loving nieces and nephews.

Jean was an exemplary grandmother who was a frequent fan at all of her grandchildren's sporting events. She devoted her life to family and friends and was always loving, patient, loyal and helpful.

Jean and Ed were avid travelers who truly covered the globe. They explored Europe, Egypt, South Africa, Asia and South America. Jean was always a welcomed addition to any party. She was an unflappable host who was able to pull off wonderful holiday meals despite the occasional curve ball Ed would throw with his last-minute invitations to host Northwestern students. Jean loved movies, reading, gardening, and was never one to turn down a vodka on the rocks with three blue cheese olives. She will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 2nd from 4 pm – 8 pm at Donnellan Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 3rd at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (OLPH) 1775 Grove Street, Glenview IL

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America at alzfdn.org.

Info: donnellanfuneral.com or (847)675-1990.

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