Jean G. (Gonsalves) Tolman

Jean G. (Gonsalves) Tolman, age 91, of Norwell, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2017. Beloved wife of the late Arthur M. Tolman, whom she married on Jan. 8, 1949. Devoted mother of Maria J. Tolman and Theodore A. Tolman, both of Norwell. Eldest sister of Edward J. Gonsalves and wife Janet of Weymouth, the late Joanne Mispel, Alfred Gonsalves Jr., Joseph Gonsalves, Carol Gonsalves, George Gonsalves and James Gonsalves. Close sister in law of Shirley Tolman of Plympton. “Adopted” Grandmother of Taryn Bourke, Amanda Reardon, and Kaley DeBoer. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Cohasset High School, Class of 1943, Jean worked at the Hingham Shipyard during WWII and later Factory Mutual, where she typed engineering reports. After having kids, Jean raised her family. She returned to work for 25 years for the Town of Norwell School Department, where she served an average 300 kids per year, almost daily, as well as assisting with cooking for senior citizens. Jean also volunteered as the secretary for the Norwell Senior Citizens. She was a member of the First Parish Church and later a member of the Church Hill Methodist Church. She was on the W.S.C.S. and helped serve church suppers. Jean loved spending her summers at the family camp in Brewster on Cape Cod.

Family and Friends will gather to celebrate Jean during visiting hours on Monday, April 3, 2017 from 4-8 pm in McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home, 30 Central St. (off Rt. 123, near State Police Barracks), Norwell Center. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 10:30 am in Church Hill Methodist Church, River Street, Norwell. If desired, donations to honor Jean may be made to a charity of one’s choice.  

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