Jean M. Clougherty, age 62, passed away on March 3, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with breast cancer.

Jean was a devoted mother and wife who always put her family first. The holidays were her favorite time of year because she got to see all her friends and family in Charlestown, Canton, Medford, and Melrose. She loved going to rock concerts at Fenway Park, the Orpheum, the Xfinity Center, and Gillette Stadium. Jean also attended many plays at North Shore Music Theater and Ogunquit Playhouse with her daughter and friends. She spent many vacations up in New Hampshire, mastering the game of Cribbage at the beach in Eidelweiss and taming the ski slopes at King Pine, where she met her husband of 37-and-a-half years.

Reading and writing came naturally to Jean. Her dream was to someday release a children’s book. She helped form a book club with her neighbors that brought joy in her final years.

Beloved wife of Jim Clougherty. Loving mother of Jim Jr. and Kelly Clougherty. Cherished daughter of the late Bill Lester and his late wife Peggy. Devoted sister to the late Billy Lester and his surviving wife Claire, Donald Lester and his wife Claire, Karen Anderson and her husband Greg, Chipper Lester and his wife Lori, Tricia Lester and her husband Eric Weigel. Caring sister-in-law to John Clougherty and his wife Eileen, Joyce Granara and her husband Paul, Mary Feeney and her late husband Richard, Tim Clougherty and his wife Laura, and Ruth Koury and her husband Matt. Dear aunt to many nieces and nephews. Privileged to have had so many loving cousins and friends. Last but not least, rescuer of Danny, Molly, Noah, Allie, and Riley.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either Dana Farber  Northeast Animal Shelter or Communitas in memory of Jean.

Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00AM-11:00AM, followed by a funeral service at the funeral home at 11:00AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment to follow at Wyoming Cemetery, in Melrose.