Jean (Heidtmann) Miles, passed away peacefully September 25, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, at her own home. The wonderful care she got from Hospice and others made it possible for her to stay in her home once her health started to fail. She was in her 90th year. Her beloved husband, Ben died in 2005 and she missed him every day of her remaining life.
She is survived by her 4 children and their families. J Todd Miles and his wife Susan, Laura and her husband Mark Bultemeier, Leslie and her husband Robert Vigneau, and Philip Miles and his wife Vicki.
She leaves 9 grandchildren, Mary (Miles) Gilman, Sarah (Miles) Beckeman, Danielle Miles, Katie (Bultemeier) McDowell, Timothy Bultemeier, Michael Vigneau, Robert Vigneau, Victoria, “Tory” Miles and Benjamin F Miles III. She also leaves 8 great grandchildren who called her GG Jean.
Jean moved to Tainter Hill Farm in Millbury in 1945 after graduating from High School in Floral Park, New York. She went to a 3 year program at the Worcester Art Museum and was to teach art in the Worcester School System but got married instead. She met Ben and was married in 1949. She attended Springfield College with him. That is where they started their family. What a great Mother she was.
When they moved back to Millbury, Jean and Ben started an Insurance and Real Estate company which eventually became Miles Builders. They built many houses in Millbury. The family is still building homes in town.
Jean was a docent at the Worcester Art Museum for over forty years. She loved giving tours and sharing her love of art with others. She was a long time member of the Millbury Federated Church and sat on many committees. She was involved in Camp Fire Girls, and was a member of the Millbury Women’s Club, especially enjoying its book club.
As an artist she tried all sorts of medium such as pottery, jewelry making, and sculpture but specialized in water color paintings, primarily landscapes and seascapes, which reflected her love of nature. For the past 15 to 20 years she has painted something special to be reproduced as a Christmas card for her friends and family.
Jean’s memorial service in her honor will be held on Thursday, Sept. 28th at 1:00 p.m. in the Millbury Federated Church, 20 N. Main Street in Millbury. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Mulhane Home for Funerals will be assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Millbury Federated Church 20 Main Street, Millbury, MA 01527 or The Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.