Mary Jean Pelham (90) of St. Pete Beach, FL passed away on July 1, 2024. She was born November 9, 1933 at home in Rye, NY to the late Joseph John and Sarah Agnes (McNaught) Smith. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Pelham, her sister and brother-in-law, H. Catherine (Smith) Ladd and Richard Ladd and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jane (Pelham) Carlson and Ralph Carlson. She is survived by her three children Douglas (Dina) Pelham, Barbara (Laurie) Dondarski and Jeffrey (Heather) Pelham along with her grandchildren, Julie, Jack and Carter Pelham, Nicholas and Kayla Monteiro, Harrison, Alexander and Rowan Pelham and her step-grandchildren Jarod, Declan and Maria Emirzian. She is also survived by her husband’s cousin, Melinda (Pelham) Murphy, and many nieces and nephews in both the Doroshevich and Carlson families.
She moved to Fishers Island, NY when she was two months old, and graduated from Fishers Island High School and Keuka College nursing program. She worked as an operating room nurse for many years in New York State, Harford Hospital, Rockville Hospital and taught at The University of CT.
Mary Jean was active in church choirs in Vernon, CT where she lived for most of her life, and was part of several handbell ringing groups. She was a licensed pilot and enjoyed many activities including sky diving (before there were tandem jumps), hot air ballooning, para sailing and zip lining.
She loved vacations with her family most of all, travelling together as a group to many fun destinations all over the east coast and the Bahamas, and especially to the Tyler Place in VT. Her cottage on Fishers Island was always close to her heart.
The Memorial Service to give thanks to God for the life and faith of Mary Jean Pelham will be held August 10 at 11:00 at Union Chapel, Fishers Island, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either the H.L. Ferguson Museum, 1109 Equestrian Ave, PO Box 554, Fishers Island, NY 06390 or Union Chapel, 821 Crescent Avenue, PO Box 192, Fishers Island, NY 06390.
