Merlyn Liberty wrote to relatives - I was one of the fortunate few who was invited to attend Jean's 90th birthday party at Jannie & Tom's house. She had a great time being feted but also said that turning 90 was "for the birds." She lived the last years of her life at the Heritage at Falmouth assisted living facility. My best laid plans to visit her around her birthday in March 2020 were thwarted because of the pandemic.
Jean P. P. was 15 years younger than Margaret C. (Pearson) Liberty, her 1st cousin, but they were -- eventually -- as thick as thieves. Margaret was *not* pleased when her Uncle Teddy a) got married, and b) had the audacity to have children. Margaret had been his favorite niece up until that time and she considered Uncle Teddy all hers!
The first time I met Jean P.P. I was 6-10 yrs old. We drove up to Santa Fe to see her and Bill who were traveling through. At first, I honestly thought she was my Grandmother but soon realized she was the next best thing. Jean P.P. had almost the same sounding voice, stature, laughter, and mannerisms as Margaret. Jean P.P.'s "wild side" was only slightly tempered compared to Margaret's.
Over the years, Jean shared all sorts of wonderful stories with me about her own life, her magical Father, Uncle Teddy, and her wonderful cousin, Margaret. I had the pleasure of staying at her and Bill's home on Ryder Rd. in North Falmouth that was mere steps away through the poison ivy to Buzzards Bay. "Meguzalum" That's what she called the meat drippings used to make gravy, learned at a Thanksgiving celebration. I've used that word ever since.
While growing up, Jean P.P. had a very close relationship with her cousin Eddie who lived with her family for a while. The closeness continued with Eddie's family, Mary, Mary Jane, and Eddie.
The number of descendants from Annie A. Lowry and Edward Asher Pearson's is legion. Jean P.P. was their granddaughter and quite literally, the last link to direct knowledge about them since Annie A. Lowry lived with her family while she was growing up. Jean P.P. her youngest daughter, Jan, entrusted me with some family heirlooms, diaries, and photographs that tell the story of our shared history. Frankly, the number of items is colossal and is taking years for me to process. These family photos and her set of wedding china were precious gifts but I will miss Jean P.P. 's love and friendship deeply.