Waxman, Jean Lenore (nee Anchor) passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2024 at the age of 94 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is survived by daughter Carolyn Jacobs and grandson Luc-Thinh; daughter Diane Kemsley and husband Charles Cossaboom; granddaughters Rachel and Elana Jacobs, children of Jean’s eldest daughter Wendy B. Jacobs who predeceased her; and brother Kenneth Anchor. 

Growing up in Michigan, Jean was the oldest of four, and the only girl, but held her own in rough and tumble games with her brothers. Bright and assertive, Jean never hesitated to provide them with recommended reading lists and direction in everything from attire to what vegetables to try. She graduated from Wayne State University with a focus on literature and the arts and immediately began working as a public school teacher. A skilled pianist, Jean was particularly passionate about jazz and Broadway musicals.    
 
Jean made her self-described “escape from the Midwest” to New England where she raised her three daughters as a divorcée with a flair for fashion and knack for business. She supported her family as an interior decorator, antique dealer, and small business owner, until acumen and fervor for the stock market led her to become a stockbroker when women in the field were rare. She continued trading well into her 80s, even while also serving as Director of Overseas Placement at Harvard Law School.

Jean was fiercely committed to providing her children with education, culture, travel, and family memories; especially as a ‘Nana’ to her grandchildren. She fostered a sense of adventure and determination in her family and left no doubt that with passion and hard work, anything was possible.
There will be a private memorial. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Harvard Law School Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic or the Anti-Defamation League New England.  Arr. by Magni FH, NEWTON.