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Jean Fried Jaffe

3/26/1930 - 6/11/2021

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Obituary For Jean Fried Jaffe

Jean Fried Jaffe, who asked everyone to call her Mimi, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2021. Married to her college sweetheart Jerry (Pop) for 70 years, Mimi was devoted to family. In her 91 years, she was most proud of their 3 children – Susan (and husband Alan), Ross (and wife Eve), and Ellen, and her 6 grandchildren – Sarah (and husband Derek), Eric (and fiancée Kristin), Jenny (and fiancé Dan), Brooke, Julia and Rachel. Mimi was also blessed to share her life with Jayne Poston, her caregiver and best friend for over a dozen years. Mimi graduated from William & Mary with a BS in Economics and became a teacher. Mimi was passionate about academic achievement and extracurricular activities. She was always there to support and cheer us on. Mimi drove thousands of miles to make sure we had the best education, see us play sports and sit in the front row of every music and theater performance. Mimi taught us to wear sunscreen, drink water, use cloth napkins, polish the silver, keep our elbows off the table and have a cookie jar filled with ice cream cones. She was the family photographer, capturing every moment, and now leaves us with drawers and boxes full of photos to reminisce. Mimi showed us to how live with grace and good manners – to be kind, generous, patient and polite. Because of Mimi, we appreciate the simple acts of saying please and thank you, keeping fresh flowers on the table, feeding everyone who walks in the house and leaving the door open for anyone who needs a place to stay. With her elegant handwriting, Mimi showed us all how to write the most thoughtful thank you notes. Mimi, this is our thank you note to you! We are grateful for your guidance and for encouraging each of us to be our best. To our friends and family, we hope you smile when you hear someone say, “oh my lands!” with a sweet, Richmond accent or eat a banana with peanut butter. For those who never met our Mimi, take the time to handwrite someone a letter and know that you have touched their heart. You lived life beautifully, Mimi, inside and out. We love you, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck, forever and always. We will miss calling you when we get home, no matter what time it is. Don’t worry, we’ll be sure to let Pop know and take good care of him. If you’d like to honor Mimi’s memory, we kindly ask for donations to Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center or Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater. The family will be holding a private service and shiva at home.

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Condolences

  • 07/06/2021

    Howard & Susan Horwitz

    So sorry Jerry. Wonderful wonderful woman. A true lady and gracious hostess. Anything you need just call me. You and she and your amazing children made my relocation to my new home better than anyone can imagine. May her memory be a blessing always. Howard (and Susan) Horwitz.

  • 06/15/2021

    Chris Witherspoon

    To Jerry, Susan, Ross, & Ellen- I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your Jean. What a wonderful and generous lady who was a joy to be around. I have so many great memories of parties, dinners, and other adventures with all of you. Take care, and Tom and I will be thinking of you. Christopher Mast Witherspoon

  • 06/15/2021

    Ralph Rabinowitz

    Dear Jerry, I hasten to extend my sincere condolences. We will all miss Jean's delightful smile. Ralph Rabinowitz

  • 06/15/2021

    James B Russo

    A truly elegant, beautiful and compassionate woman who welcomed me into her home as I was one of her own. Shalom James B Russo

  • 06/15/2021

    Rose Mary Kirsch Rakowski

    May Jean rest in peace. Had the honor to know Jean and Jerry for many years. My parents were James and Mary Kirsch. I lost my Mother in December 2020 at 103 yrs old. My sympathy to Jerry and family. Rose Mary Kirsch Rakowski

  • 06/15/2021

    Marti Macy

    Jean was a wise woman & very caring. May God give you all peace & comfort. God Bless. Marti Barnes Macy

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