Dover-Foxcroft- Jean Hitchcock, 96, passed from this world into the next to be with her Lord, June 17, 2026. She was born November 1, 1929, in Rangeley, to Rolla and Irene Pillsbury. The family had four children, Jean (the youngest), Ardean, Sayward, and Elaine.

Jean was married to Arthur Hitchcock, Jr. for almost 60 years. They met when he moved to Rangeley as the new Game Warden. They had three girls, Barbie, Cindy and Katie. Eventually settling in Dover-Foxcroft, and the warden business being what it is, Jean kept herself busy. She was a master gardener who loved the outdoors, regardless of the tasks to be done or the weather. She often commented that the outdoors was good therapy. She loved plant sales and shared many of her own. She could be seen working a chicken pie supper, involved in different choirs, and at the Y program where she was leading the Aquasize pool program for many years. A 4H leader, she ran a tight ship all around sewing, cooking, gardening, etc. Jean was a Pine Needle Christmas Club member for many years, a long-standing neighborhood club. She loved cross country skiing and found many to join her; camping, church involvement, and being the family matriarch! Many knew her for her smiles and hugs! Anyone was welcome-whether new to the clan or had been right there all along. Family reunions and Jean’s cooking skills made a plus to the favored day. She was stitcher at Hathaway Shirts on opening and later moved to their office in Dover-Foxcroft where she worked until the closing. She worked at Hardwood Products in their Guilford office in Accounts Receivable for many years. Next came “adding to her life lists”: gardening, baking, volunteering and reading.

Jean was a woman blessed by her large ever-blooming family- grands, greats, great-greats, step-children and sons-in-laws. She was predeceased by her husband, Art, in 2006; their youngest daughter, Kathleen Tijerena in 2023; infant granddaughter, Tobi Tijerina, great-great infant granddaughter, Katalayhia Nguyen in 2020; grandsons, Andrew Merrill in 2019 and Aaron Merrill in 2025; sons-in-law, John Merrill in 2009 and Richard Parker in 2025.

These families collectively represent Hitchcock's, Pillsbury’s, Lewis’, Emerson’s, Brownlee’s, Merrill’s, Tijerina’s, Mitchell-Nguyen’s and Parkers’.

Jean is survived by two daughters, Barbara Parker and Cynthia Ronco and her husband, Larry, and their children and families, Julie Chabot and Valerie Saunders, Ann and Peter Marshall, Joanna and Brad Grierson, and their families; and the family of Kathleen (Hitchcock) Tijerina, including her husband, TJ, their sons, Chris and Jamie, and his sons, Andrew and John and their families.

The family has many that they appreciate and love for the support they have provided their mom. Theresa Tibbetts has been such a great help and outstanding in her care and dedication. She has “done it all” over time and always has a smile. She is always ready to help; cleaning and tending to the patient. Her work is really exceptional. She stays with the family through all their needs and has been with mom 25 years. They also appreciate the Beacon Hospice staff for their care and support. Friends are a treasure!

A graveside funeral service will be held 11AM Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Pine Grove Cemetery, 2 French Road, Dover-Foxcroft. After the funeral, a celebration of Jean’s life will be held at her home, 1325 Bear Hill Road, Dover-Foxcroft. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Piscataquis Regional Food Center, 76 North Street, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426, or to the Medical Supply Cupboard, c/o Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church, 824 W. Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.