Northborough – On Aug. 1, 2018, Jean Scott Karpuk, 93, died peacefully surrounded by family, of a broken heart. She was happily married for 67 years, until her husband, John, predeceased her eight weeks ago.
She was a very proud and fiercely independent woman, who strived successfully to never spend a night in a nursing home, nor give them one red cent. She deserves a victory lap for betting right.
She loved her nickname, bestowed on her by her family, THE COMMANDER! She proudly held the honor of being the first wife in her neighborhood to have a car. She owned at least 5 models of Country Squire station wagons, big cars for a tiny woman not much taller than a light switch. She had an easy smile and a cautious way. She always “drove the bus.” Her Scottish heritage kept her thrifty, which helped her budget the family’s finances. She would have loved the fact that by dying on the first of the month, she got her next pension payment!
The daughter of Evan Scott and Helen Scott (Head), Jean had fond memories of her childhood in Worcester, where she grew up with her two brothers. Both of her parents were deaf from birth, and, while both had been taught to read lips, Jean also learned to use American Sign Language to help her communicate with them. She attended Commerce High School in Worcester. During the summers, her Aunt Marjorie regularly invited her to Brookline and exposed her to the finer arts.
During WWII, Jean worked for the war effort at the Red Cross in Worcester. A co-worker, Dottie Sharametta, introduced her to her cousin, John Paul Karpuk, after he was discharged from the Navy. Jean and John married in 1950, and moved to Northborough in 1956, where they raised their two children. It was always filled with family and friends. Jean enjoyed playing bridge with several women’s groups, and was a Girl Scout Leader. After raising her two children, she worked at Digital Equipment Corporation for 12 years before retiring.
Jean and John loved to travel. They would go to John’s annual Navy reunions around the country, with Jean behind the wheel and John navigating. They took their kids on several trips to Europe, and later went on tours. Jean also loved the educational and exotic aspects of Elder Hostels. They had excellent accommodations and experiences. Another favorite destination was an annual trip to Aruba, where she loved palling around with her brother-in-law, John, and her sister-in-law, Jean. For several summers, Jean and John would join their kids on Block Island. Earlier this summer she spent a few weeks there with her family, but seriously missed John.
Jean leaves behind her daughter, Pamela and husband Glenn Barney, and her son Scott and his wife Claude Guerlain. She will also be missed greatly by her four loving grandchildren, Scott and Danielle, Michael and his fiancé Kristen and John. She was predeceased by her two brothers, Merton and Charles Scott.
Jean felt she had the greatest neighbors in the world. Even before her beloved John died June 2, 2018, they would always pitch in to help them and check in on them.
Jean will be buried at sea, along with her husband, John, in a private ceremony, accompanied by Scottish bagpipes that she so loved.
Jean’s family respectfully ask that in lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.
To leave a condolence for Jean’s family, please visit her Book of Memories at www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
