Jean S. Gasper

Jean Shepherd Gasper, 93, of Andover, CT passed away at home on May 27, 2015. Jean was born in New Haven on August 5, 1921. She was the daughter of the late John and Anne Shepherd. Jean graduated from Hillhouse High, New Haven and MORSE College, Hartford.She moved to Andover in 1939, married Andrew F. Gasper in 1943, and raised four children at the Corner House. Jean played the organ for St. Columba Church for 32 years, served as Andover Town secretary for 16 years before being elected as First Selectwoman of Andover, serving three terms. Jean was a member of the Sonshine Stampers, served on the Board of the Andover Library, Townsend Cemetery, and was an active member of the Andover Congregational Church; currently serving as the Church Historian. Throughout her life, Jean was known for her homemade apple pies, was involved in the initial structure of the Andover Red Cross, as well as, the Mother's Club during World War II. In 1995, Jean married her long-time friend, Brian Minalga of Westerly, RI. They spent 17 years together, sharing in sailing, traveling, and family gatherings. Jean was pre-deceased by her first husband, Andrew F. Gasper, sister Margaret and husband William Andrews, son-in-law, Douglas Griswold; second husband, Brian Minalga, and her son, Andrew F. Gasper, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Lillian Gasper. Jean is survived by three children, Joanna Griswold (Peter Wass) of Andover, Robert and Peggy Gasper of Hebron, and Marylin and Thomas Sylvester of Lebanon. She leaves behind eight grandchildren, Lisa Dunnack (Mike Emerling), Andrew Gasper, Heather Steffens (Todd), Sarah Costa (Mario), Zachary Sylvester (Karen), Kevin Gasper (Lindsay), Joshua Sylvester, and Andrea Sylvester (Matthew Parkinson). Great-grandchildren include, Aiden, Blake, Logan, Ryan, Ashlyn, Taylor, and two more this summer. In addition, she leaves behind nieces Jane Coryea (Robert) and Betsy Pensgen (Mark) and several more nieces and nephews. She also leaves Brian's family, Mike Minalga (Marie) of Westfield, MA and Patricia Walbam (Carl) of Westerly, RI and their children and grandchildren. Jean led an incredibly fulfilled and busy life until her very last day with us. Jean's home was always open to all, where you would be received with a warm hug, lively conversation, words of wisdom and sound advice. She will be greatly missed... ... It's the end of an era. "10-4!" In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Andover Fire Department, 13 School Road, Andover, CT 06232; First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 55, Andover, CT 06232; Friends of Andover Public Library, P.O. Box 117, Andover, CT 06232. Her family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, June 4, 2015 between 4:00pm-8:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rt. 195), Willimantic, CT. Jean's funeral will be held Friday, June 5, 2015 at 11:00am at the First Congregational Church, Route 6, Andover, CT. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.