- Date Of Birth: November 21, 1918
- Date Of Death: April 30, 2022
- State: Maryland
Jeannette Helene Huggins (nee Waleska), 103, passed away on April 30, 2022. She was born on November 21, 1918, in Baltimore, to the late Anna and Adam Waleska. She was predeceased by her husband, William Huggins; sister, Nellie Stolarski; brother, William Waleska; son-in-law, Charles Cummings; infant great-grandson, Russell William Marcus.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Cynthia Cummings Wheeler (Wayne) and Darlene Murphy (Norman); four cherished grandchildren, Jeffrey Cummings (Michele), Jennifer Marcus Heusser (Cam), Shane Murphy (Cindy), and Ryan Murphy (Lindsey); eight beloved great-grandchildren, Peyton, Paige, Parker, and Tyler Cummings, Riley, Ainslee, and Coberly Marcus, and Nalo Murphy; two nephews, Richard and Roger Burke; nieces, Carolyn Matanoski and Arlene Matkins; and many friends.
While a student at Southern High School, she was a typist for the football coach, thus cementing her love and knowledge (“hit them low!”) of football. She became an avid fan of the Baltimore Colts and hten the Ravens.
After graduating in 1935, she worked numerous secretarial jobs and spent much of her free time dancing. That passion for dancing allowed her to meet her lifetime dance partner and husband, Bill Huggins. Along with friends, they loved to road trip to Atlantic City to hear the “Big Bands” and dance the night away.
Jean and Bill married in 1941, and resided in Curtis Bay were both their daughters were born. After building a home in 1949, they moved to Brooklyn Park, where Jean resided until her death.
After her children were grown, Jeanette worked as an Anne Arundel County Deputy Sheriff, serving alongside her husband, who served seven terms as sheriff. She was the first female deputy in A.A. County to achieve the rank of Sergeant. She loved to tell many stories about her adventures in the sheriff’s department.
Jean and Bill both enjoyed the local political scene, as well as traveling to the various National Sheriff’s Conventions. Their many acquaintances became lifelong friends who often cruised and socialized together.
After retirement, “Mommom” became a much-loved babysitter for her great-grandchildren, all of whom were present for her 100th birthday celebration.
Jean loved her many lady friends and seldom missed her Thursday lunches with them. She never missed watching Sunday afternoon football with her friends at the 4100 Club and later, the Sunset.
Jean loved dancing, traveling, sitting in the sun, Frank Sinatra (she once danced with him!), the Ravens, peach ice cream, Otterbein sugar cookies, and angels. She often said her secret to longevity was green tea, cookies, and ice cream.
The family expresses very special thanks to her “adopted daughter,” Rosemary Brewster, who called her “Mom,” loved her, and took very special care of her. Jean was forever grateful to Pauline, Helen, and Linda, who called constantly. Our family is grateful for Rebecca, her hospice nurse, for her care and compassion.
