Jean Marie Ricard Pfenning, age 92, of Forest Dale, passed peacefully with family by her side on Oct. 2, 2026, at The Pines of Rutland and with support from Bayada Hospice.
Jean was born at home in Forest Dale on July 10, 1934. She is the daughter of Francis and Ina Devino Ricard. Jean grew up in Forest Dale, where she received her early education. She graduated from Brandon High School, Class of 1952. She earned her registered nursing degree from The Bishop DeGoesbriand Hospital in Burlington. Jean began her nursing career at Rutland Hospital in 1955, then worked in private-duty nursing through the hospital until 1971. She worked for Dr. John Seeley Estabrook until 1983, and, following his passing, for Dr. John Dick until 1988. She then worked at the Brandon Training School until its closing in 1993. She retired from West View Court in Rutland in 1999.
Jean was a communicant at Our Lady of Good Help Catholic Church in Brandon. She volunteered her time with many organizations, including St. Monica’s and St. Mary’s churches, Forest Dale-Brandon Lions Club, Hospice, Brandon Senior Center, Bone Builders, Weight Watchers, “TOPS,” and Relay for Life, where she was a two-time survivor. She was also a board member of, and recipient of, The John Seeley Estabrook Memorial Trust Scholarship.
Jean enjoyed camping, motorcycle rides, playing piano, daily walks, gardening, baking, cooking, canning, family get-togethers, and attending Project Independence.
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She is survived by a son, retired US Army Col. Michael Pfenning (Sally), of Stuttgart, Germany; four daughters, Nancy Steele (Joseph) of Fair Haven, Mary Newton of Brandon, Rhoda Hopperstad (Elden) of Chase City, Virginia, and Ann Pfenning of Brandon; and her bonus daughter, Clara Hayes of Rutland.
She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Sarah English, Carly Stevens, Elizabeth Pfenning, Brian Pfenning, Benjamin Pfenning, Molly Newton, Michelle Laughlin, Heidi Forrest, and Michael Forrest; and 12 great-grandchildren: Brianna Stevens-Clark, Dylan Stevens-Clark, Raegan Spencer, Makenna Gatchet, Maci Gatchet, Tristyn Laughlin, Korbin Laughlin, Maverick LaRock, Miles LaRock, Harper Pfenning, Margot Pfenning, and Darcy Wakefield. She also leaves several cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Jean was predeceased by her husband, Arthur Pfenning, on June 20, 2018. They were married at St. Monica’s Church on Nov. 19, 1955. She was also predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Anne Patricia Kron Pfenning, and her sons-in-law Rollin English, David Forrest, Arthur Stevens, and Douglas Newton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Help (St. Mary’s) Catholic Church in Brandon.
The graveside committal service and burial will follow the Mass in the family lot at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon on Friday, Oct. 23, from 4-6 p.m.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in her memory to: John W and John Seeley Estabrook Scholarship Fund Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont or Estabrook Park — make checks payable to: Town of Brandon Recreation Department c/o Estabrook Park Fund, 49 Center Street, Brandon, VT 05733.
