Obituary of Jeannette C. Piotti

Jeannette C. Piotti of Belfast passed away peacefully at her home on Cedar Street on April 3, 2020, following complications from influenza. A month earlier, she celebrated her 100th birthday with family—describing it as the “best weekend of my life.”   Born Jeannette Cecile Therrien on March 2, 1920 in Lynn, MA, she approached the world with kindness and positivity, always seeing the best in others. Jeannette trained as a Registered Nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she assisted in the operating room under pioneering cardiac surgeon Dr. Robert Gross. She later worked as a psychiatric nurse and administrator at Boston State Hospital.  Later still, she served as Nursing Administrator at Our Island Home on Nantucket, where she relocated her family after the death of her beloved husband, John, in 1972.   Jeannette moved to Belfast in 1997 to be closer to children and grandchildren. She worshiped at Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church, where she was active in Daughters of the King and Wednesday morning services. She volunteered at Maine Farmland Trust and with at-risk youths through The Game Loft. An avid reader, Jeannette enjoyed discussing books with friends and family. She loved the ocean and music, especially Chopin, the Big Band tunes of her youth, and Christmas carols sung around the piano. She delighted in homemade bread, lobster, wine over dinner, an occasional Manhattan or glass of Sherry before dinner, and a bowl of ice cream at almost any time. More than anything, she cherished her family. She spoke often about her husband, John, sensing his presence and believing they would be reunited in heaven.   She is survived by her five children, Barbara and partner Roy Siegfriedt, Kathryn and partner Paul Crowley, Martha and partner Tom Bowler, Carol and husband Frank Jaffe, and John and wife Susan Piotti; grandchildren Jessica Radway and husband Conor Murtagh, John Radway, Sam Jaffe, Sara Jaffe, Anna Piotti, and John Piotti; great-grandchildren Nora and Isaac Murtagh; and many much-loved nieces and nephews. The family is indebted to Katie Littlefield, a treasured friend who assisted Jeannette in many ways over many years, and thanks Kindred Hospice for their recent support and comfort.   The family will celebrate Jeannette’s life at a service this coming summer, when her ashes will be placed in Saint Margaret’s Memorial Garden.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Game Loft.