Rita Marie (Martin) Jean passed peacefully on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at The Lafayette in Marblehead, following a long illness, with family by her side.  A lifelong resident of Salem, Rita was the daughter of Adelard G. Martin and Alice (Dube) Martin.  After graduation from Salem High School in 1945 , she then went to Boston to study the Tailoring trade.   Rita taught tailoring in the Salem Evening School Adult Ed system for many years, and was instrumental in helping the program grow.  She was recognized as an extremely talented seamstress, and sewed for many local families and organizations.  Rita could make her own patterns, repair sewing machines and create everything from draperies and upholstery to wedding gowns.  All the outfits and hats she wore, and all the drapes and curtains in her house were made in her 'sewing room'.  Her artistry could also be seen in the mens suits, shirts, pants and outdoor jackets she made.

She is survived by the love of her life, her husband J. Robert (Bob) Jean. Married for 66 years, they raised six sons – David and his wife Mary Ann of Amesbury; Paul and Patricia of Madison, NH; Marc and Linda of Danvers; Denis and Deb of Salisbury; Donald and Jacqueline of  Kingston, NH and Robert and Barbara of Peabody.  Ten grandchildren – Peter and Bridget Jean, Lauren Santagate and Benjamin Jean, Curtis and Travis Jean, Eric and Christopher Jean and Nicholas and Alex Jean.  Four Great-Grandchildren – Elsa, Mack and Presley Santagate, and Olivia Jean.

Rita is the sister of Paul Martin and Robert Martin, and was pre-deceased by brothers George and Raymond Martin and sister Doris St. Pierre.

The beach was one of her pleasures, and only a short walk from home for the family.  For many years she enjoyed spending weeks at Samoset Resort in Rockland, Maine. Rita was active in community and school activities.  She was a member of the Guild of St. William at St. John's Prep, served as President of the Shaughnessy-Kaplan Hospital Auxiliary, and volunteered at the Gift shop at Salem Hospital.  She had also sewn original costumes for the Drama Club at St. John's Prep.  Her radiant smile will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St, corner of North St, Salem on Thursday, December 20 from 4-8 P.M.  Her Funeral Mass to be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, One Margin St., Peabody at 1:00 P.M.  on Friday, December 21.  Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem.  In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Rita M. Jean to the Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL 17  Chicago Il 60601. Online at: Act.alz.org.  For additional information or online guest book please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com .