SOUTHAMPTON – Jean Elizabeth Healy of Southampton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on September 22nd, 2025. She was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on January 9th, 1929, to Helen and Dennis J. O’Conner.
Jean received her bachelor’s degree from Westfield State in 1950. She was a dedicated educator that taught at various schools in the area. In 1968, Jean began teaching 1st graders and student teachers while at Juniper Park Laboratory School/Westfield State. She continued her education while teaching and earned a PhD from Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio. Doctor Healy served as the acting Superintendent of Westfield Public Schools three times and was the Director of Personnel and Curriculum Development when she retired. After a short break, she then went on to provide classroom observation and evaluation of student teachers across the Pioneer Valley again through Westfield State. Jean influenced hundreds of teachers through workshops, seminars, observation and critique.
Jean loved to travel and visited Europe, China and South America as well as the United States. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, cards, quilting and a good mystery. Jean took pride in her home, decorating for every season and holiday, entertaining friends and family. Lucky for all of us, she gave up on the joy of cooking early on.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Henry R. Healy, Sr.
Jean is survived by her children Patricia Healy (Jose Arizpe) and Henry Healy, Jr. and her three grandchildren Alex Arizpe, Simon Arizpe, and Samantha Healy.
A visitation and celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers, please take a friend to lunch. Firtionadams.com
