Jean Tyler, 90
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Jean A. Tyler died Wednesday, Dec. 13 in New Braunfels, Texas, at the age of 90.
Jean was born on Nov. 12, 1933, in North Adams, Mass. She was the daughter of Joseph and Edith (Jennings) Oldham. Jean was raised in the Blackinton section of North Adams and shared many happy memories of her time there. Jean attended local schools and graduated from Drury High School in 1951.
In June of 1952, Jean married the love of her life, Manley Tyler. They shared many happy years together until Manley's devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer's took its toll. Manley died in October 1986 and Jean turned her heartbreak into a force for good. She started and participated in many support groups and she was always available to caregivers in crisis. Jean co-authored a book, "The Diminished Mind" with Harry Anafantakis, charting her journey as a caregiver and enlightening many to the personal tragedy of the disease. Jean devoted her life to giving speeches, interviews, and advocating for caregiver support for those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Eventually, Jean expanded her care and concern to residents of nursing homes through Elder Services and an Ombudsman. She was a force for dignity and care.
In addition to her dedication to advocacy, Jean was a loving mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she had a special longtime bond with her cat TJ. Jean loved music, art, theatre, and movies. She loved a glass of wine and Perry Mason and a good political discussion. Jean was an avid reader, especially the works of David McCullough, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Agatha Christie.
A loving, kind, and generous woman who touched so many lives.
When her health began to fail, she made the decision to leave her lifelong home in the Berkshires and move to Texas to be closer to her family.
Jean is survived by her daughter Laurie DelNegro and her husband Arthur, and son Steven Tyler and his wife Belinda, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by dear friends and cousins.
There will be no calling hours or service. A close family gathering will be held at a later date.