W. Jean Conheeny, 88, of Hammond Street, Newport, died Monday, January 19, 2009 at her home.

She was the wife of the late Thomas “Boo” Conheeny, Jr.

Born in Newport, on January 16, 1921 she was the daughter of the late William McCleave and Winifred (Fallon) Carson. Jean was a graduate of Rogers High School, class of 1937. She received her Bachelor’s degree as well as her Master’s in education from Rhode Island College of Education. Jean started teaching at the age of 20 at Witherbee School in Middletown, a one-room schoolhouse during the war. She then joined the Newport School System with over 30 years at Cranston Calvert School. She retired in 1985 after a 38-year career.

Jean was one of the original founders of Gooseberry Beach and served as a Board Member for many years. She was a parishioner as well as a CCD teacher of St. Augustin Church in Newport. She was an active volunteer for the Newport Hospital Auxiliary and the Catholic Information Center. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the Retired Teacher’s Association of Newport County and of Rhode Island, the Rogers High School Alumni Association where she served on the Scholarship Committee for many years, and the “Club”. She was also a friend of the Newport Public Library.

A true veteran sun worshipper and an enthusiastic beach-goer and swimmer, Jean spent her childhood at Kings Park. Many years were also spent at her “Rock” at Gooseberry Beach with her family and friends, particularly the Scrabble group. She continued to enjoy her time at the beach throughout all her summers.

Jean was an avid traveler with her summer sojourns to all parts of the world. Her life with Boo was filled with love and dedication, not only for each other, but also for their family.

Jean is survived by:

• their daughter, Deanna Casey and her family, Niall, Brendan, Kara, Rick, and Fred St. Germain;
• a son, Thomas Conheeny and his family, Linda, Adam, Jared, Taryn Hurd, Jonna, Jennifer, John Hurd, Adeleine, Anna, Adam, Elise, Carson, Tristan, JJ Hurd, and Thomas Hurd;
• and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late William McCleave Carson, Leslie Francis Carson, and Roland Joseph Carson.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, January 23, 2009, at 10 a.m., in St. Augustin Church, Carroll Avenue, Newport. Burial will be at St. Columba Cemetery, Brown’s Lane, Middletown. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009, from 4-7 p.m. in the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840.