Jean Minkin

MONTPELIER – Jean Minkin, 93, of Heaton Street passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Friday, July 26, 2019 surrounded by her family and with her beloved dog Obie by her side. She lived life to the fullest and died with no regrets. She enjoyed her family, her scientific career, travel and seeing the world on a bicycle.

Jean was born in Philadelphia in 1925. In her early years, she excelled academically winning a full scholarship to Bryn Mawr College, earning a degree in physics.

After WWII, she married her wartime GI pen pal Max, settled in Philadelphia and had two children Brian and Andrew. She pursued a career in science where women were rarely seen at that time. Jean worked at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia using an early electron microscope. This was followed by x-ray crystallography before the days of super computers and her final stop at the US Geological Survey studying moon rocks and the structure of coal.

Jean and Max retired to Palm Coast Florida where they rode their bikes, enjoyed classical concerts and breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Her final years were spent in Charleston, SC and Montpelier. Even as she aged and became infirm Jean kept her polite pleasant manner. She will be missed.

Survivors include her sons Andrew and his wife Priscilla of Montpelier, and Brian and his wife Terry of Philadelphia and Port St. Lucie, Florida; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Max and grandson Steven.

The family would like to express its gratitude to the Heaton Woods staff for all their support and care.