Jean Thurber Sells, a longtime Weston, CT resident, died at home on October 18, 2024 at the age of 84.

Jean loved the Town of Weston and her September Lane neighborhood. She was well known by her neighbors for taking long walks (at a very fast pace) and for spending hours tending to her yard. She enjoyed the theater and had a subscription to the Westport Country Playhouse for over 40 years. She liked going out to dinner with family and friends and could always be counted on to order dessert.

Jean was born in Butte, Nebraska on May 24, 1940 to Willis R. and Birdie Florence (Adamson) Thurber, and grew up in Burwell, Nebraska. She had many interests from playing piano and saxophone to making and modeling her own clothes. Jean received her undergraduate degree in mathematics from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1961. She earned her MA and PhD in mathematics at University of Minnesota and began her college teaching career in 1966.

Jean moved to Weston in 1975 and began teaching mathematics in 1976 at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, where she remained until her retirement in 2009. She was honored upon retirement from SHU for her 30+ years of service.

In addition to college teaching, Jean had a dual career as a Certified Financial Planner. In 1992, she was a co-founder of Integrated Financial Services, Inc. and she continued to work with clients until her retirement from financial planning in December 2019.

Jean married Richard Elmer Sells in 1962 and they divorced in 1986. Jean is survived by her immediate family: daughters Laurie Bradbury (husband Chris) of Weston and Krista Skinner (husband Jim) of Manhattan Beach, CA, granddaughters Erica and Lindsay Skinner, and sister Joanne Schultink (husband Ger) of Williamston, MI. Jean was predeceased by her brother Robert Thurber.

Jean’s beloved cat Swoozie has been a dedicated companion for the past 7 years. Swoozie will remain in Weston, now at the home of Laurie and Chris.

Jean requested no memorial service, but she hoped that everyone would take a moment to privately remember her in their own way. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Weston Volunteer Emergency Medical Service (EMS).