Grandmother, dedicated Episcopal, Anglophile

Jean Gordon, beloved mother and grandmother, died Monday, July 31. She was 91. 

She and her husband, William H. Gordon, Jr., celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary six days before her death, on July 25.

Born in Paterson, New Jersey, the same year as Queen Elizabeth II, Mrs. Gordon forever loved and admired the queen and the royal family. She was an Anglophile who knew all the branches of the royal family tree, and she followed their lives avidly. 

Her family called her “our rock” and said she was the person who never failed to remember important dates and occasions, writing thoughtful cards in her beautiful handwriting.

Mrs. Gordon was devoted to the Episcopal Church and, with her love of ceremony and proper procedure, was happiest when attending high church services with “the smells and bells,” her family said. She went to ordinations of priests, to consecrations of bishops, to diocesan meetings and conventions. She was thrilled to meet the church’s Presiding Bishop, the Right Reverend Michael Curry, and had the pleasure of talking with him about the present state of the church. Above all else, she faithfully directed, over many years, the acolytes of her beloved St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Claremont. Her acolyte ministry was her cherished responsibility, her family added.

She adored cats, especially her little grey feline Muffin, whom her family is confident is sitting in Mrs. Gordon’s lap right now. 

Mrs. Gordon is survived by her husband William; her children Stephen, William, Valerie and Michele; her three grandchildren Christina, Caitlyn and Olivia; and her daughter-in-law, Phyllis Z. Gordon.

Her internment was on August 5 at Oak Park Cemetery in Claremont, with her memorial at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church held that same day.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Gordon’s name may be made to St. Ambrose Episcopal Church at stambroseclaremont.org.