Jean McKissick

Jean Elizabeth McKissick passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Meriden, Connecticut, Jean was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend whose warmth, grace, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her. She was married to Alexander “Sandy” McKissick, her beloved husband and partner in life for 36 years.
Jean attended Southington High School and the University of Connecticut earning a double major in mechanical engineering and metallurgy. Jean started her professional career at Seal Products Incorporated in Naugatuck, CT as an engineer. She then moved to Northeast Utilities Service Company in Berlin, CT, where she joined the piping engineering group supporting the nuclear power plants in Waterford, CT. It was at Northeast Utilities that she met her husband, Sandy McKissick.

Jean later left Northeast Utilities to raise her four children first in beautiful Killingworth and then in Madison, CT. She raised her children to be kind, curious, and confident, encouraging them to throw themselves headlong into challenging environments. A professional opera singer, an accomplished world traveler, a neuroscientist, and an electrical engineer are the results of her dedication to her children and constant encouragement.

Jean had a lifelong passion for home improvement and took great pride in creating inviting, comfortable spaces for her family and friends. She was also known for hosting fabulous gatherings, where her genuine kindness, hospitality, and sense of fun brought people together in laughter and celebration. Jean carried that same energy and generosity into her community, volunteering with the Killingworth Little League and Cub Scouts, Daniel Hand High School Theater Arts Parents Society, and DHHS Night in Hand.

Jean will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering love for her family. She faced life’s challenges with dignity and courage, inspiring those around her through her kindness, loving smile, and quick wit. She will be missed dearly.
Jean is survived by her husband, Alexander “Sandy” McKissick of Madison, CT; her sons, Alex McKissick with his wife Allegra De Vita in Norwalk, and Eric McKissick and his wife Ayuni McKissick, and Colin McKissick of Madison; her daughter Olivia McKissick of Providence, RI; and her Aunt Mary Ellen and Uncle Owen Daley, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved her dearly. She is also survived by her sister Anne Pekoske and her husband Jack Kryjak of Clinton, Connecticut, her brother David Pekoske and his wife Michele of Potomac, Maryland, her brother James Pekoske and his wife Michele of Wimauma, Florida, and her sister-in-law Barbara Deslauriers of South Hadley, Massachusetts.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Catherine Pekoske of Meriden, Connecticut, and her dogs Chipper, Riley, Ginger, and Bailey.

A wake will be held at Swan Funeral Home in Madison CT on Friday, November 7th at 5-8pm, with a Catholic funeral Mass at St Margaret's Catholic Church in Madison at 11am on Saturday, November 8th with a reception to follow. In accordance with her wishes, Jean will be cremated, and her ashes will be kept in the care of her family.

Jean’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Connecticut Hospice in Branford for their care and support during her final days, and to the nurses and staff on the 14th floor of the Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital.

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