Jean E. (Bray) Tamm

West Brookfield- Jean Elizabeth Tamm, 77, of West Brookfield passed away on Friday, February 17, 2023 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center in Worcester following a brief illness. Born in Webster on May 2, 1945, the daughter of the late Samuel and Mary Winnifred Jean (Loggie) Bray.

A loving and devoted woman for whom family meant everything, Jean was selfless, putting others first, giving of herself freely without complaint. A friend to many, her caring and welcoming nature made everyone feel at home. She had the gift of providing a warm hug that could make all worries disappear. Remembered as a patient and kind mother with a tremendous sense of adventure and fun who was known to drive her kids around town in an old 1932 retired fire truck, she was always up for a challenge with a double clutch.  Diminutive in stature perhaps, but with a heart and vigor that could swallow giants.

Jean was an avid baker and gardener, preparing and canning the gifts from the garden. She enjoyed traveling, particularly to the sea including family trips to Cape Cod, Hawaii, Tahiti, and visiting relatives in New Brunswick, Canada.

She enjoyed reading, restoring antiques and watching Korean Soap Operas which she enjoyed learning the history and culture. Jean obtained her General Class Amateur Radio Operator license, which she was very proud of. She also taught Basic computer programming to local students in the 80's. Jean immensely enjoyed working and serving on the West Brookfield 350th Quaboag Plantation Anniversary Committee. A student of Gaelic and Scottish Culture, Jean and her children enjoyed talking about a future trip to Scotland. Jean’s children will travel there to fulfill her dream and will see it for her through their eyes with her spirit in their hearts.

Jean was a devoted steward to the Buzzell family farm throughout the years, tending to the land and restoring the family home with her husband. A gentlewoman farmer, she cared for the family’s farm animals.

Jean graduated from North Brookfield High School in 1963. She worked in the healthcare field and in the later years of her career, she obtained her Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification and worked at Mary Lane Hospital and then later at Brookhaven Assisted Living.

Jean is survived by her daughter Rebecca Tamm-Shettler and her husband David of Brookfield, her son Robert P. Tamm Jr. and his partner Suzanne Scott of Vermont, her granddaughter Emilee Chickering of North Brookfield, for whom the sun rose and set for, Emilee’s fiancé Tyler Riendeau, her husband Robert P. Tamm, Sr.  of West Brookfield, her much loved twin sister Judy Prescott and her husband Clark, older sister Sheila Walker, brother Lindsey Bray and his wife Pam, and her two step-grandchildren Alexander and Grayson Shettler. Jean was predeceased by her siblings Richard, Lucille, and Susan Bray.

Jean was deeply loved and will truly be missed but her legacy and the sweet memories she created with all that knew her will carry on. She was a true treasure and a blessing to all who knew her. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now at peace. Rest in peace, dear Gram.

Calling hours will be held in the Varnum Funeral Home located at 43 East Main Street, in West Brookfield on Wednesday, March 22, from 5 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Mass Audubon 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. Private burial will take place at a later date.

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