Jean Groseclose

Colchester – Jean May Bashaw Groseclose, died peacefully Tuesday November 10, 2025, at Green Mountain Nursing Facility, her home for the past two years, surrounded by family and love.

Jean was born in Burlington, VT on April 11, 1938 to Carl and May Bashaw. She spent her early childhood in Alburgh, Vermont and later spent many summers at their camp on the lake there. Some of her fondest memories were the time they spent at the camp. She was particularly close to her dad as he took her along when he attended baseball games or went to visit relatives. Her family moved to St. Albans Vermont where she graduated from St. Mary’s High School and was a member of the basketball team. Jean remained in touch with some of her childhood friends and classmates for most of her life. She married James Groseclose, the love of her life on March 7, 1960 after they met her at the Dairy Bar restaurant. Love at first sight. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage, welcoming eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren along the way, loving each and every one of them immensely.

Jean was a faithful and active member of St. Luke's parish in Fairfax. She believed in service to others with her whole heart and participated as a eucharistic minister, organizing post funeral luncheons, working fundraisers for missions overseas, collecting for the Bishop’s Fund, preparing and serving stuffing at the annual turkey dinner and serving on many church committees. She was a Cursillista and organized many women's’ weekends where she would assist new members make their Cursillo. Despite being anxious about public speaking, she gave many inspirational addresses at these functions. She received the Bishop’s Commission on Women’s award for her dedication to faith and service.

Her five children were the focus of her homelife. Jean served as room mother, Girl Scout leader and was always one of the loudest cheerleaders at our sporting and school activities. Jean’s Dad taught her to keep baseball scores, so she was often found with the book in her hand at Dad’s softball games and as Assistant Coach at Little League. Sewing clothes for us, including some costumes for plays and knitting garments for us and the grandchildren was one of her talents. If a neighbor could use a hand, she was happy to help out. Many of the kids in our neighborhood thought of her as a second Mom. As we moved through school the “extra” kids that joined our family were numerous.

Jean had a sense of fairness and empathy for those who were in need. Actions speak louder than words, so Jean and her sister Charlotte started up Meals on Wheels in the Fairfax area. They handled scheduling and drove for many years. She was known to some of the drivers who are serving today who said they were honored to bring her meals later in her life. Fairness drove her advocacy for people with special needs, including her son, helping to ensure he received the education for which he was capable. Jean was quick to pass on that same information to other parents and together they frequently lobbied their legislators on behalf of all with special needs. She was a supporter of the Special Olympics organization.

Jean did find time for some fun along the way. She was a bowler and enjoyed both her league and travelling with Jim to many bowling tournaments out of state where they made some lifelong friends. She loved watching baseball as a Red Sox fan. Trips to Maine to see the rocky coast, Virginia and Ohio to visit family provided opportunities for get aways and adventures. Dancing with her hubby was always a joy for her. Gathering with family was the perfect chance to bring out her quick wit and sense of humor. A trait she has passed through the generations.

Jean is survived by her children, Dawn Pelkey and her husband Phil of Fletcher; their son Philip James (PJ), his wife Stephanie and their children Cody, Ariana, Shawna, Vanessa Jean and Carson of Milton; their daughter Tiffany Sharp her husband Bobby, their children Spencer, Navin and Lincoln of Fairfax; Cindy Groseclose, her partner Jim Branca and her son Leonard James (LJ) of Fairfax; Karen Bushey and her husband Rick, their daughters Kaydee and Emily, son Rickey, his partner Alicia and their children, Autumn and Madison, of Colchester; Douglas Groseclose of Fairfax; Bill Groseclose, his wife Karen, their children Katrina, her fiancé Chris of Vienna VA and Mikayla of St Albans.

Jean is also survived nieces and nephews Deb Tovey and her husband Ed; Kim Herne; Rebecca Gomez and her partner DJ Lawrence; Matthew Schwarzman, and their children. Linda Corvin; Jerry Corvin and his wife Kay; Tim Corvin and his wife Nancy and their children. Cousins Martha Smith; and James Smith and wife Judy and their children. Many Vermont and Virginia great nieces, nephews and cousins. She touched many lives in her long life.

Jean was predeceased by her parents, her dear sister, Charlotte Blum, her special cousin Keith Campbell and his wife Doreen and their son Scott, cousin Mary Benoure, husband Walter and their son Tom; her nephew, Robert Herne, her great nephew Anthony Gomez and numerous members of Jim’s family in Virgina, whom she loved like her own.

We are especially grateful to Green Mountain Nursing home for their loving care. Their motto is “We are family” and they truly live up to their motto every day. Also, Sheri Buchanan, “extra” daughter, for her caring assistance with Mom’s home care. Thank you to UVM Hospice for their caring assistance during Mom’s final journey.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025 from 4 to 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Luke Catholic Church in Fairfax. For those wishing to make charitable contributions on her behalf, two of her favorites were Covenant House and Meals on Wheels.

To leave an online condolence, please go to www.minorfh.com