Jean A. Coelho, 76, of New Port Richey, Florida, and a former East Providence, Rhode Island resident, died on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Trinity Hospital, Florida.
She was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Peter J. and Julia (Pina) Coelho. Jean is the Beloved Mother of Jamon “Jay” Coelho-Howard. Jean was raised in East Providence, Rhode Island. She was a graduate of East Providence Senior High School Class of 1963 and attended Nursing School in Boston, Massachusetts. She left the state after her education and moved to Oahu, Hawaii. She enjoyed the many adventures of island life and spent two years in Guam in the early 1970s. Jean’s work life was eclectic, early years on the islands were spent working in the hospitality industry as a cocktail waitress & bartender. She worked with top musical talent as the executive administrative assistant for Leonard Productions, a live musical entertainment company in Honolulu. In addition, she was a realtor for several years, a sales manager & trainer for Western Union, and owned UTOPIA—a beautifully curated specialty boutique in the town of Waialua.
After 22 years in the islands, Jean returned to Rhode Island for two years, where she joined forces with her father to work in his real estate business, Petco Real Estate Agency. After a short stay in Tennessee, she made the journey to California, where she took up residence in San Diego and then on to Los Angeles for several years. She held a position with MGM in the accounts payable department that she genuinely enjoyed before retirement. Finally, Jean moved to New Port Richey, Florida, for her retirement years.Jean was a natural beauty who was well-spoken, articulate, and known for her calm demeanor, etiquette, and refined sense of propriety. She was fluent in Portuguese, and when her health was optimum, she traveled overseas as much as possible. Portugal, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, were some of her favorite destinations.
Jean had many talents; she was a gifted singer and guitarist. She was part of several choirs throughout the years. As an amateur photographer, Jean loved to take time to observe the people around her and nature’s beauty through the camera’s lens. With a dark room in her home, she developed and printed her photographs before the digital age of photography. Jean had a deep interest in crystals and semi and precious stones. She parlayed that interest into designing and creating fine jewelry and meditation malas. Her dedication to being a lifelong student and master of Astrology kept her excited about the universe and all its possibilities. Jean spent numerous hours researching astrology details, hand-writing astrological charts, and giving private readings. She recently picked up the paintbrush and diligently took online painting classes.
Jean, a profoundly spiritual woman, studied and practiced Buddhist philosophy and Krishna Consciousness (a state of awareness in which an individual acts in complete harmony with the Divine). She was a true pacifist and believed in equal rights for all people. Her faith kept her centered and brought her peace during difficult times.
She is survived by her daughter Jamon “Jay” Coelho-Howard; son-in-law Jon Howard; four sisters, Carol C. Lopes of Riverdale, GA, Julie A. Coelho of Rumford, RI, Sheila J. Coelho of Murfreesboro, TN, Susan L. Amado; her husband Juan “Curtis” of East Providence, RI; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends from around the globe.
If you would like to join us virtually you may do so via the Zoom link listed below.
Rosemary
August 4, 2022, 8:59 pm
Dear Jean, I will miss our long discussions, they are memorable to me and helped me to know you. You are so special. So glad we became friends. You always left me with a positive feeling and you were always positive. I miss you my friend, my cousin. Love you always, Rosemary 🌹
Brenda Edwards
August 4, 2022, 9:47 pm
God Bless my cousin Jeanie may you rest in peace.
She was truly a Blessed and a Beautiful person and mother inside and out.
Truly will be missed.
Elizabeth @ Lynn Pegg
August 4, 2022, 10:09 pm
As I read her obituary, Jean was quite the woman in her day with so many traits and accomplishments. To her entire family and lovely sisters she leaves behind we extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy in your bereavement Sincerely the Pegg family in East Providence, RI.
Mrs.Eve Rose
August 5, 2022, 1:26 am
Jay..my condolences to you, Jon and family…May Father God give you the peace, strength and place the right people on your path to get you through..the loss of your dear mother 🙏🏼🌹
Sincerely,
Your cousin, Eve Rose (Edwards/Pina) and family
Marie Johnson Lambert
August 5, 2022, 12:04 pm
To Jean daughter and family. We ment in the 7th grade at EP Central JR. High School went on to graduate together from EP High School. She was a very nice person always pleasent and smiling when she greated you. God bless you and her family. RIP Jean.
Edwina
August 5, 2022, 12:07 pm
Prayers of comfort to daughter Jamon, sisters Carol, Julie ,Shelia, Susan and all family members at this most difficult time.
Ronald Pagano
August 5, 2022, 2:07 pm
To all of Jeans family. God has another Angel. We went to high school together. I remember how pleasant and sweet you always were. May you RIP.
Lorraine Roderick
August 5, 2022, 2:29 pm
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Jean’s daughter Jamon and son in law John as well as her sisters Carol, Julie, Sheila and Susan. To lose a loved one unexpectedly is difficult even though she dealt with her illness for many years we just don’t expect to lose her so suddenly. Take comfort in knowing that her suffering is over and she’s with Our Lord and her parents Peter and Julia. All of you now have your own personal guardian angel to watch over you like any big sister would, until you all are reunited with Jean.
Maryland C. Pina
August 5, 2022, 7:20 pm
Auntie Maryland I’m calling to give my condolences I want to say that I love you children God bless you kids and at the time of morning my prayers go out to you in my heart is so sad for all you kids Jeannie is resting she’s been sick for a long time and she’s resting now she’s not feeling sick anymore and so kids I love you God bless you all Auntie Marilyn
Jean Coates
August 6, 2022, 1:28 am
My condolences to Jeans daughter Jamon, sisters Susan, Julie, Sheila, & Carol. She will surely be missed by the lunch group in New Port Richey that she so looked forward to each month. We will also miss her witty self at our game nights that we had each month. She was truly a friend. May she Rest In Peace.
COUSIN Lesa (pina) Marinez
August 6, 2022, 2:35 pm
Sending my Love & Prayers to you all !! MAY GOD comfort you at this time and always.Love you!!
anna cote
August 6, 2022, 3:06 pm
r.i.p cousin jean.you will be missed. no more pain.to my cousins i send my love.
George Warren
August 6, 2022, 7:26 pm
So sad to learn of Jean’s passing. We were classmates at EPHS, and her kindly company was enjoyed by all who knew her. May she now rest in God’s eternal peace and enjoy the plans still in store for her. May I share a prayer with you that so very well this wonderful and accomplished human being: “O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last.” (The Book Of Common Prayer). A companion on life’s journey, Fr. George Warren.
Joseph Tavares
August 8, 2022, 5:58 pm
In Jean’s memory, she was one of the most talented and wonderful women I’ve ever known. I will remember the musicals and community plays with you. You made everyone better in our plays. I wish that I had one more day with you, having lunch at the beach and enjoying all your memories. You were a remarkable woman. RIP Jean
S
August 8, 2022, 10:54 pm
My condolences to the family, especially to Jay. Jean sounded like a wonderful and interesting person. I believe Jay sent me some beautiful Mala beads from Jean’s store. I’m sorry I never had a chance to meet her.
Charlie Carroll
August 8, 2022, 11:23 pm
I always remember what a beautiful young woman she was while we were classmates at EPHS. Her musical talent was wonderful and I’m so glad she continued to sing. I only knew her for those few short high school years but from what we learned from Jay, she lived a full life, filled with adventure and travel. What a wonderful legacy she left for us all. Rest peacefully in your saviors arms.
Gary Jennings
August 17, 2022, 12:12 am
Aunt Jean you will be missed. I love your style and grace. You always brought joy when and you will be missed dearly.
Love Ya!
Mai Moore
February 4, 2023, 11:07 pm
My Dear Jean,
I am so sorry but you were truly a Light to this world.
Had a DREAM about you last night and it made me feel like you were Blessing me
with Your Love and Light.
Thank You, for all you did for me in my time of need.
Sending You and Jay Love and Light and Prayers.
May You Rest In Heavenly PEACE
oxoxoxo