YARMOUTH – Jean C. Semonite, 94, of Yarmouth, loving wife, mother, and friend, died peacefully, but unexpectedly, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, surrounded by family. After 94 years, that day was her time.

Born in 1929 and raised in Cranford, N.J., the daughter of Hugh Roderick Carr and N. Bessie Carr, Jean graduated from Wells College with a music degree.

In 1954, she married David Semonite, a Princeton graduate and veteran of the Korean War, also of Cranford, N.J. They bought their first home in Connecticut where Dave worked for a manufacturer of helicopter blades, and Jean was a customer service agent for the local phone company. After having her daughter, Leigh, and then son, Ned, Dave took a new job and they moved to South Carolina. Daughter Ann was born in Clemson, S.C. Next, they moved to Massachusetts in 1960 and then to Yarmouth in 1965. Even before moving to Maine, she travelled to Long Island in Casco Bay to the Semonite family cottages for extended summer stays. Long Island became the thread that tied distant family members together. Dave retired in 1991 and passed in 2002, and since then, Jean has lived independently in her home for 47 years until her dying day.

She had many interests – reading, sailing, gardening, sewing, knitting, cooking, traveling, and service to others. She was a leader in Yarmouth’s Village Improvement Society for more than 50 years, driving the establishment of open spaces, historical renovations, and researching origins of colonial homes.

Jean had a passion for music. Trained as a classical singer, she sang in her church choir at First Parish Congregational Church of Yarmouth, was a skilled pianist and loved classical music performances. She passed this and many of her other passions on to her children and grandchildren.

Jean and Dave had a love for boating, especially sailing, and were longtime members of the Portland Yacht Club. In addition to racing, they also sailed their boats along the coast of Maine and had other boating adventures around the world. After David’s retirement, they travelled extensively around Europe.

As the last family member of her generation, family was of utmost importance, and she fulfilled the role of matriarch with enthusiasm.

She is survived by her daughter, Leigh Palmer and husband Jim of Yarmouth, son, Ned Semonite and wife Betsy, of Bedford, Mass., and daughter, Ann Semonite of Brunswick; grandchildren, Libby (Palmer) OConnor and husband Clarence, Alan Palmer and wife Meghan, Ben Palmer, Stuart Semonite, and Margot Semonite; and three great-grandchildren, Lily and Isabella Palmer, and Madeleine OConnor.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 5 at 2 p.m. at First Parish Church, 116 Main St., Yarmouth. Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yarmouth Historical Society or Long Island

Civic Association.

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