Jeanette Hunter Scanlon Hennessy passed away peacefully in Encinitas CA on January 3rd, 2026 at the age of 98. She was born on July 26, 1927, the oldest of two children born to Mildred and Stanley Hunter of Holliston Massachusetts. As a third generation Hollistonian, Jeanette was very proud of her New England heritage and while in California, lost no opportunity to let people know from whence she hailed. Her grandfather Ralph “Sweetie” Russell played a pivotal role in bringing the flagship grocery store “Russell’s” to town. Jeanette would go on to raise her family in Holliston which included four children and her beloved cat Geraldine.
Jeanette graduated from Cushing Academy where she was known as Honey Hunter by her peers. After graduation Jeanette received her Dental Hygiene degree from Forsyth in Boston and went to work at her father’s dental practice in Framingham. She loved the interaction with patients and worked for many years as a hygienist for Dr Schmidt on Washington Street, Holliston. She was also a member of the Friendly Aid Society and active with The First Congregational Church of Holliston.
While raising her family, Jeanette enjoyed many Cape Cod summers in a cottage on Uncle Stephens Rd in West Dennis, built by her husband and his brother Tom. After the nest was empty, Jeanette moved to Denny St in Westboro where her interests turned to horses, summers on Lake Winnipesaukee and finally a family compound in Ogunquit Maine. She also developed a passion for line dancing and would dance seven days a week if classes were available. She made great friendships through dancing and continued pursuing this pleasure well into her nineties. It was a life well and actively lived.
Jeanette is predeceased by her brother James “Russ” Hunter of Holliston, her first husband and friend Robert Scanlon of Holliston and second husband Dr. Robert Hennessy of Westboro. She is survived by her daughters Marcia Manchester (Rocky) and Lynda Taylor (Andy) of Encinitas CA as well as her sons Robert Scanlon (Leslie) of Newbury MA and J. Richard Scanlon (Denise) of Virginia Beach VA. She is also survived by six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Nana, as she was known by most in her later years, was never fond of goodbyes, preferring instead “See you tomorrow”. She will be much missed by all who loved her.
