Lenox, Mass., resident Jean Mary Peters (Sturges, Sheldon) Stempel passed away on Tuesday, November 24, at 94 years old. She was an example of tenacity and independence to all of us who loved her.

Jean was born in the House of Mercy, Pittsfield, Mass., on September 28, 1926, to Frank G. Peters and Clara B. Jones Peters.

Jean joined the Cadet Nurse Corps in 1945, and served in many capacities in her profession as a registered nurse. She spent 35 years as school nurse at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in Sandy Hook; her most beloved nursing experience. Jean was a communicant at St Helena’s Chapel in Lenox, Mass., where she served in many ministries, putting out the Order of Service bulletin. She also enjoyed volunteering at Shakespeare & Co. in Lenox. Her many hobbies included traveling, genealogy research, knitting, crocheting, tatting, and cooking; many of these interests she passed on to her family.

Jean is survived by her son, David C. Sturges; stepdaughters, Doreen Sheldon, Susan Stempel Perone, and Deborah Stempel Willse; stepsons, Edward Lundblad, Douglas Sheldon, Daniel Sheldon, Raymond Sheldon, Robert Stempel, and Arthur Stempel; daughter-in-law, Amparo Sturges; sister-in-law, Mary Reuther Peters; grandsons, Donald R. Sturges, Jr, Michael D. Sturges (Jessica), Jared R. Sturges (Julia), and Daniel A. Sturges; granddaughters, Kristy A. Sturges Flynn (William), Ginger L. Sturges, and Jennifer Sargent; great-grandchildren, Tara Rotas, Tyler Hine, Renee Sturges, Dustin Hine, and “her babies” Ruby L. Mennone and Hazel U. Gamache-Sturges; and great-great-grandchildren, Desmond Sturges and Richard Flood, Jr. In addition, she leaves many much-loved nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren. For many years, Jean had been the companion of Norman F. Linstead (deceased), and remained close to his daughters, Terrell F. Poeton (Richard), Valerie F. Linstead (Peter), and Dana L. McGuirt (C. Anthony).

Jean is predeceased by sons Donald R. Sturges, Sr, and Peter W. Sturges; step-daughter Loraine Sheldon Buck; sister, Winifred Peters Tingley; brother, Dr Donald H. Peters; and granddaughter Amanda L. Sturges Ofiero.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St Helena’s Chapel, New Lenox Road, Lenox MA 01240 and to Shakespeare & Co., Kemble Street, Lenox MA 01240.

Formal services will be held at a later date. Please visit rochefuneralhome.com to leave condolences and remembrances to the family.