Jean Parsons

Jan 20, 1931 -

Mar 13, 2025

Ms Jean Marilyn Parsons, 94, passed away peacefully on Mar. 13, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born on Jan. 20, 1931, in Quincy, Massachusetts, she lived a life marked by adventure, service and dedication to her community.

Jean was raised in Abington, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Abington High School. She continued her education at Fisher Junior College in Boston before later attending the University of Alaska-Anchorage. Her academic pursuits laid the foundation for a dynamic and impactful career that spanned several decades and industries.

In 1960, Jean made a bold move to Alaska—a place that would become central to her personal and professional life. She began her Alaskan journey working for Scandinavian Airlines System in Anchorage. Her career evolved as she took on roles with the Department of Labor in both Anchorage and Juneau. Jean's most notable professional contributions came during her tenure with Sohio Alaska Petroleum Company in Anchorage. As a Landman specializing in permit compliance, she played a role in the development of the Prudhoe Bay oil reserves and the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline—one of the most significant infrastructure projects in American history.

Jean's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Accommodations Alaska Style Bed & Breakfast in Anchorage. Through this venture, she welcomed visitors from around the world and shared with them the beauty and hospitality of her adopted home state.

Beyond her professional achievements, Jean was deeply committed to civic engagement and advocacy. She served as President of the Board of Directors for both the Employment and Training Center of Alaska and Alaska Resources for the Moderately and Severely Impaired. Her leadership reflected a lifelong commitment to improving opportunities for others.

Jean was also an active member of several organizations that reflected her diverse interests. She belonged to the Soroptimists of Cook Inlet Anchorage, an international volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls. She was also a member of the Alaska Historical Society and supported cultural enrichment through her involvement with the Anchorage Museum of History and Art.

A woman who embraced life fully, Jean loved to travel and explore new places. She enjoyed skiing and water aerobics well into her later years. A devoted sports fan, she rarely missed a game featuring her beloved New England Patriots and followed NFL, NBA, and MLB seasons with enthusiasm.

Jean is lovingly remembered by her sister, Carol Fontaine of Carver, Massachusetts; her brother, Charles Parsons of Whidbey Island, Washington; nieces, Laura Fontaine and Debbie Fontaine of Massachusetts; Cheryl Cunningham of Colorado; Beverly Kushner of California; nephews, Wayne Fontaine of Colorado and Edward Parsons of Washington. She was predeceased by her parents Irving and Lena Parsons of Abington, Massachusetts, as well as by her nephew Jeffrey Fontaine of Massachusetts.

Jean's legacy is one of resilience, independence, service to others, and an enduring zest for life. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.