May 23, 1947 – Nov. 20, 2024
Warwick, RI – Jean Doerr Sutton, 77, of Warwick, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at her home on November 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, after a brave battle with lung cancer. She was the cherished wife of Jeff Sutton, with whom she shared 42 beautiful years of marriage; the devoted mother of Sarah Sutton of Barrington, RI, and Elizabeth Sutton of Warwick, RI; and the treasured grandmother of Madeline and Norah Cohea.
Born in Grafton, Massachusetts, Jean was the daughter of Gloria (Bisceglia) and F. Joseph Doerr. She graduated from Grafton High School and earned her degree in Art History from Emmanuel College in Boston.
Jean lived a vibrant and creative life devoted to her family, friends, and community. As a mother, Jean wholeheartedly supported her daughters’ activities, serving as a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, soccer mom, and swim team booster. Her encouragement and active participation in their lives reflected her deep commitment to her family. Jean’s role as a grandmother was one that she embraced with boundless love. She attended countless soccer games and music performances. Every Christmas, she made elaborate gingerbread houses with her daughters. Summer rituals included picking strawberries and blueberries and making jam.
Jean’s talents and passions brought joy to everyone around her. She was an exceptional cook, a passionate knitter, a talented seamstress (think spectacular Halloween costumes), and a creative artist. Her handmade cards, often featuring her beloved cat Bella and her favorite dog Ziggy, were treasured by all who received them. She always found the most beautiful pieces of furniture, dishware, and jewelry at antique and vintage stores. In summers, her garden yielded fresh vegetables and flowers, which she shared with family and friends. Her annual tradition of leaving May Day baskets filled with homemade blueberry muffins on neighbors’ porches exemplified her thoughtful and generous spirit.
Professionally, Jean’s creativity and dedication shone brightly. She co-founded Uncommonwear, a women’s clothing store in Wellesley, Massachusetts, which specialized in handmade women’s apparel and accessories. Later, she worked as a business reporter for the Warwick Beacon for nearly a decade, where her writing informed and inspired her community. For the past 10 years, she served as the bookkeeper for Phillips Baptist Church in Cranston, Rhode Island, a role she carried out with dedication and care.
Jean was deeply committed to her community, serving as a board member of Providence Swings, an organization dedicated to promoting swing dancing in Rhode Island, and as an administrator for Pawtuxet Green Revival, which worked to protect local wetlands. She was also a cherished member of her neighborhood book club and a trusted friend who brought people together with warmth and kindness.
In addition to her husband, daughters, and granddaughters, Jean is survived by her siblings and their spouses: John Doerr (Christine Mirabile) of Wellesley, MA; Judi Riggieri (Albert) of Kennebunkport, ME; Jennifer O’Brien (Robert) of Warwick, RI; Jodi Levia (Randy) of Grafton, MA; and James Doerr (Jessica) of Hayward, CA. She is also survived by countless nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Gloria and F. Joseph Doerr.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to all the neighbors, friends, and family who made Jean feel especially loved and cared for during her illness. Your kindness and support meant the world to her and to all of us.
Jean will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, as well as a vibrant member of her community. Her creativity, compassion, and boundless love for others will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in peace.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Phillips Memorial Baptist Church, 565 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI.
Jean’s family will receive friends the evening before, on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Ave., Warwick, RI.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to one of the following organizations:
Phillips Memorial Baptist Church (Address Above) or The Rhode Island Chapter of Swim Across America, which funds cancer research and runs an annual ocean swim that her two daughters participate in.
