Obituary of Jean Eilers Ratcliffe

Jean Eilers Ratcliffe, a 44-year resident of Darien, died Thursday, March 18, at Stamford Hospital. Mrs. Ratcliffe, 79, was the wife of George Ratcliffe, to whom she had been married for 59 years. Born June 21, 1930 in New York City, she grew up in Great Neck, New York, the daughter of the late F. Farny Eilers and Lucile Hopkins Eilers. She graduated from St. Margaret's School in Waterbury, CT in 1948 and attended The Barmore School in New York. She was an executive secretary at an architectural firm on Long Island before marrying and embarking on an adventure that included children, travel, and summers on Martha's Vineyard and at the East Chop Beach Club. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mrs. Ratcliffe will be remembered for her love of quilting, cooking, New York Times crossword puzzles, bird watching and gardening, but especially for her sense of humor. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three daughters, Susan Cameron, Kass Bruno, Lynn Biggart and her husband Bob, all of Darien, her son Jim, and his wife, Lisa, of Lolo, Montana. She is also survived by her ten grandchildren, Lisa Geist and her husband Steve, Brian Cameron and his wife, Ginger, Mike Cameron, Ashley Bruno, Sarah, Katie, Meg, Susan and Amy Biggart, Sam Ratcliffe, and great-grandchildren, Katelynn, Piper and Nate Geist. She is also survived by her brother, Farny Eilers. She was predeceased by her grandson, Benjamin Bruno III. A family celebration of her life will be held at a later time. Memorial contributions may be made to Darien Little League – Ben Bruno Scholarship, Box 2108, Darien, CT 06820, or to a charity of your choice. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820