Bradford - Jean E. (Abbott) Kneeland, age 95, of Bradford passed away peacefully February 1, 2026 at Port Rehab in Newburyport after a brief illness.

She was born in Biddeford, ME on August 8, 1930, daughter of the late William F. and Leona (Wormwood) Abbott and spent her early life on the beaches of Kennebunkport and Wells, ME.

Jean was educated in the Wells School system, graduating from Wells High School in 1947. The yearbook records her nickname as "Babe" with ambitions to become a dress designer. One of her many hobbies was dancing. It was written of her in the yearbook that, "Jean will never miss an opportunity to go to a movie or a dance". So true!

With her love of the ocean and seafood, she spent many days on Maine's seacoast, clamming and lobstering with her father on his fishing boat, The Popeye. Later when not working at Kesslen Shoe Company in Kennebunk, Jean could be found on the beach, eating fried clams or a lobster roll, at the movies or a dance.

Jean had an eye for fashion and design and was an incredible seamstress! One of her early clients was Kenneth Roberts, author of the epic novel, Northwest Passage who would summer in Kennebunkport on his house boat to write. One summer he had commissioned Jean to make him a number of silk pajamas, a writer's summer attire. Her ability to create gorgeous clothing from magazines or pictures was a gift. She taught herself to knit too. Later on each family member would receive personalized hand knitted Christmas stockings. Her work was impeccable.

On a whim to visit a family friend working as a waitress at Jarvis' Restaurant, Jean took to bus to Portsmouth, NH. It was there she encountered the short order cook, Bob who would soon become the love of her life. After a whirlwind courtship, Jean and Bob settled in Bradford, MA to raise their family.

Jean was employed at the former Western Electric on Essex Street, Haverhill and then Osgood Street, North Andover until 1967. From there she began her 30 year career as part of the Haverhill Radiological Associates main office team. Many clients will remember her as the lovely lady at the front desk with the most stylish collection of eye glasses, 17+ pairs to be exact.

She was a member of Sacred Hearts Parish and school community. In the late 50s, early 60s she supported the SHS fundraising activities by using her seamstress design talents in costuming the Broadway plays put on under the tutelage of the former parish priest Paul D. White. Theatre was a big part of her life and was a season ticket holder at The Ogunquit Playhouse for decades.

Jean was an avid Red Sox fan and often traveled to Fort Myers for the Spring Training season. The Patriots were her football team of choice and although she claimed not to fully understand the game, she was known to spend football Sundays closely watching and critiquing the games with Amanda. Many happy years were spent traveling to Huntington Beach, CA and summers on Sunset Lake, Hampstead NH, Seabrook Beach, NH and Wells Beach, ME for extended vacations with family and friends.

Jean was the wife of the late Robert A. Kneeland, who passed away in 2021. She was predeceased by her siblings, Paul E. Abbott, Exeter, NH, Madeline W. Cleaves, Wells, ME. She is survived by her daughters Roxanne E. Brown (George A. Lavigne) of Hampton, NH, Roberta J. Kneeland of Huntington Beach, CA, and Robyanne L. Cormier of Bradford; grandchildren Amanda J. Donovan, Hampton, NH. Craig R. Brown (Kate), Nobleboro, ME, Meaghann M. Cormier, Sharaine M. Booth and Matthew C. Lavigne, all of Haverhill, MA; great grandchildren Mavis, Wyatt, Van and Jude.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the calling hours on Tuesday, February 10th from 4-6 PM at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Bradford Funeral Home, 210 South Main Street, Bradford, MA. Her Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 11th at 10:00AM at Sacred Hearts Church, 165 South Main Street, Bradford. Interment will follow in the Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. Contributions in her memory may be made to the American Stroke Association (https://www.stroke.org/). To share a memory or for more information please visit www.farmerfuneralhomes.com