Mother of resident, animal lover, doting grandmother
Jeanne Edwards. (Courtesy photo)
Sara Jeanne (Weir) Edwards, 88, formerly of Weston, and most recently of Nashua, New Hampshire, died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, Dec. 29, 2022, following a brief illness that she fought bravely. She was a woman of incredible strength, steadfast and unwavering faith, and love for those around her.
Jeanne was born Jan. 19, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, the only child of her beloved parents Mayes and Carl (“Jimmy”). Though she spent most of her childhood in Georgia, she and her mother temporarily relocated to her mother’s hometown of Murphy, North Carolina, during the height of World War II. She returned to Georgia, where she finished high school at Washington Seminary. She attended Northwestern University in Chicago and graduated with a degree in English.
Though her beauty and spirit caught the attention of many suitors, it wasn’t until Jeanne met Allan Greer Edwards Jr., M.D., her eventual husband of 59 years, on a double date, that her heart was claimed. Following a whirlwind romance, she and Greer eloped in Manhattan, where she had joined Greer as he finished his residency in otolaryngology. The couple then moved to Elko, Nevada, while Greer completed a fellowship. Jeanne and Greer quickly fell in love with the landscape and the people of Northeastern Nevada, and purchased the Saval Ranch, which continues to run as an active cattle ranch.
The family relocated to Weston, Massachusetts, where they lived for much of the rest of their lives with their three children. They enjoyed many years as a family in Weston and installed a pool that became the site of decades of get-togethers. Though settled in Massachusetts, Jeanne was always deeply invested in supporting ranchers and the ranching industry. She worked with both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Land Management facilitating water access and conservation research and eventually testifying in front of Congress on behalf of their work.
Later in life, she managed Greer’s practice at Charles River Medical Associates while exploring her other great love— travel. With her friends and family, Jeanne saw as much of the world as she was able. She was particularly fond of Poland and visited often.
Jeanne doted upon her five grandchildren, hosting birthday parties and raucous pool socials. She never missed a horse show, graduation, or violin recital. Her love extended to her many dogs, grandpuppies, and horses. She was her daughter Stanley’s biggest fan during the last years of her life as she competed in equestrian events.
Jeanne will be lovingly remembered by her children: Allan, Benton (Tobi), and Stanley (Robert), as well as her grandchildren: Sara (David), Madeline (John), Davis, Tucker, and Karina. She leaves innumerable friends of the human and animal kind and will be missed deeply by all.
Donations in her memory may be made to the National Education for Assistance Dog Services (www.neads.org) or to a charity of one’s choice. A celebration of life is planned for April 2023.
