Jewel J (Dobbins) Dempsey

Jewel J. Dempsey, of Hingham, MA., passed peacefully at her home of 70 yrs on February 13th, 2021 at the age of 93. A private family service was held on February 18, 2021.

Jewel was born in Methuen, MA. on November 30, 1927 to the late Dorothy (Hobbs) and George Dobbins. Moving to Hingham at the age of 16, after graduating from Hingham High School, Jewel was married to the late John P. Dempsey of Hingham in 1946 and remained in Hingham for the rest of her life.

In her early years, she worked in Hingham, including West Hingham Pharmacy, Baker’s 5 and Dime, and in later years by Talbots and McGrow Consulting. But the treasure of Jewel was the solid, caring life she provided for her family and the friendship for those she knew.

For the most part, Jewel’s life was about raising a family and building a home with welcoming doors for all who walked thru them. This would also include all the animals she saved, and pets of all sizes. She had many talents including sewing, knitting, toll painting, rug braiding, and gardening. She still had tons of energy for square dancing including competitions all over the NorthEast, and singing and dancing for years with the Hingham Civic Chorus. Her home was a continual haven for music. But it didn’t stop there. As part of the greatest generation who could do anything and everything, she took on all the tough tasks of maintaining her home too. Regardless of circumstances she always had a smile and uplifting energy.

Jewel is survived by her 5 children, John Dempsey and his wife Cathy of Hernando, Florida, James Dempsey of Hingham, MA, Suzanne Coletti and her husband Peter, of Hingham, MA, Patricia Potvin and her husband Raymond of Hanover, MA, and Stephen Dempsey, of Hingham, MA.; 10 grandchildren, (John’s) Michael Dempsey of Nevada, Erin Wiesehahn of Duxbury, Brian Dempsey of Kingston, (Suzanne’s) Sarah Reese of Duxbury, Ellen Coletti of Norwell, and Christopher Coletti of Hingham and (Patricia’s) Jill Lemaire of Pembroke, Anne Potvin of Oak Bluffs, John Potvin of Hanover, and Matthew Potvin of Hanover.; 8 great-grandchildren, Cate, Robert, Emily Wiesehahn, Joseph, John, James Dempsey, Lotte and Pippa Reese.

In short, Jewel and her late husband John, wanted to create a family and a family home. Indeed they both succeeded.

Donations can be made to Hospice of the South Shore, 30 Reservoir Park Drive, Rockland, MA 02370, or local animal shelters of your choice.

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