Westfall, Jean F (Roberts)
Jean Roberts Westfall was called home on April 10, 2024 after a long and courageous respiratory battle. Daughter of the late Phyllis (Gillette) and James Roberts Sr, she was born in Pittsfield, MA in 1951. Jean grew up in CT and attended schools in Northwestern CT. Upon graduating, she was crowned Miss Litchfield County in 1969 and studied at the Albany Berkshire Ballet company. Jean went to own a successful dance studio, beginning it in her parent's basement at age 14, where her mother handmade all of her recital costumes. Jean built that small start into one of the largest dance studios in the area. “Miss Jean's Dance World,” was established in the City of Waterbury and then in the Town of Harwinton, and taught thousands of dancers for decades. She then was the ballet director at Reach for the Stars for many years after that. Jean was also a volunteer for the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization for years. Jean was a bright light who touched many lives with her talent and her love of all things beautiful. She was well known for her sewing talents, ceramic skills, funny sayings and her tiny but mighty personality. Jeannie, as she was lovingly called by her husband Bob, was the center of her family! Out of all of her accomplishments in life, Jean was most proud of her three daughters, Danielle Gentile (Ron), Mary Marrone (Joe) and Molly Westfall (Josh). She is also survived by her brother James Roberts, three grandsons, Nicholas, Justin and Joey and former husband, Kevin O'brien, many friends, and former students. She is predeceased by her brother, Timothy Roberts and her former husband, Fran Dauphinais.
She was a resident of Brooksville, FL for the past seven and a half years. During her retirement in Florida, she enjoyed her crafts, gardening, Elvis music, Country Western and True Crime TV shows, friends and travel. Her family would like to say thank you for the outstanding and compassionate staff of the Sturgill Hospice Care Center. A celebration of life will be held June 7, 2024, The Lyceum, Terryville, CT at 6:00pm, all are welcome. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Miss Jean's Dance Scholarship, c/o Thomaston Savings Bank, 203 Main St. Terryville, CT 06786, to help dancers continue their education in the art. Her family would like everyone reading this to never take a moment you can dance a step or take a deep breath for granted. Like Jean would always end her shows, “Until we meet again, may the Lord keep you in the palm of His hands.”