Jean M. May

Jean Elizabeth Moore May (1935-2025) lived a life as vibrant and nourishing as the gardens she tended. Jean was born in March of 1935 in Philadelphia, PA to Betty Foster Moore and John Best Moore and was later joined by her brother, John F. Moore. Jean was graduated from The Ohio State University in 1957. While at university Jean became a proud member of Alpha Delta Pi, with which she continued to participate as an alumnus until her passing. After graduation Jean began her career as an occupational therapist. Jean married Richard H. May in 1962 and they welcomed their first child, Sharon Lee May Maxwell in 1963. In 1965 their family was completed by the birth of their second child, Glenn Foster May. Following the births of her children, Jean continued to work as an occupational therapist on a part time basis for many years. Throughout all of which Jean lead a life punctuated by genuine compassion and concern for both her local and her global community as well as a fundamental dedication to the environment and its inhabitants, human and otherwise.

Jean carried a sense of great responsibility and honor of instilling values of sustainability, conservation, connection, and education in people of all ages. She poured her convictions into action by spending much of her time as an active member of numerous organizations including: Brandywine Quilters, The Secret Garden with Delaware Center for Horticulture, The Delaware Nature Society, the grounds and horticulture committee at Cokesbury Village, and more. Jean also cultivated her profound faith as a devoted member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church for over 65 years. Through every stage of her life Jean fostered an extensive network of relationships, all of which were integral parts of her identity. Her selfless and deep-seated sense of love and kindness for others shone brightly through everything she did and it continues to shine through those she touched with her gentle strength and powerful grace. She is sorely missed.

Jean is proceeded in death by her husband, Richard H. May (1935-2024), and her son, Glenn F. May (1965-2025). Jean is survived by her brother, John F. Moore, daughter, Sharon L. May Maxwell, son-in-law, Stephen L. Maxwell, and granddaughter, Bethany J. Maxwell, daughter-in-law, Jean Bramley, as well as Bethany’s partner, Ian C. Foster.

Services will be held Saturday, August 2^nd at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 West 13^th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Delaware Nature Society and Westminster Presbyterian Church.