Jean P. (Smith)(Harper) Crosby

PETERSHAM- Jean P. (Smith)(Harper) Crosby, 93, of Birch Drive and formerly of Athol, died on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Athol Hospital.

Born in Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom on August 9, 1932, she was the daughter of Ernest and Doris (Thorne) Smith. She moved to the United States in 1984.

Jean was married to Colin Harper for 37 years until his death in 1986. She was later married Leigh Crosby for 20 years until his death in 2014.

While living in the United Kingdom, Jean worked at the Health Hydro Spa in Kintbury. After moving to Athol, Massachusetts, United States of America, Jean worked several years for Athol Research.

Jean was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, especially with her daughter and son in law to Florida for the winter, as well as refinishing furniture, antiquing and time in Las Vegas.

Jean is survived by her children, Loraine Smith and her husband Stuart of Petersham, Richard Harper and his partner Corinne of Newbury, England, Stephen Harper and his wife Alyson of Newbury, England and Mark Harper of Newbury, England; eleven grandchildren; twenty-Six great grandchildren; two great, great grandchildren; and a daughter in law Julie Harper.

Besides her parents and husbands, Jean was predeceased by a son, Colin Harper Jr., and a daughter, Gina Torres.

There are no calling hours.

A graveside service at Silver Lake Cemetery in Athol will be held at a later date.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

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