Jean Kidd

Jean Hyde Kidd passed away on August 3, 2015 in Jackson, Wyoming.  Jean was born in Montclair on July 27, 1933, and attended Watchung School, Montclair State College High School, and the Katharine Gibbs School in Montclair.  She graduated from Caldwell College.  Jean married A. Duncan Kidd in 1955 at Immaculate Conception Church, and they raised 3 children.  A lifelong resident of Montclair, Jean’s career was the town, and she was a tireless community leader and volunteer.  In the 1970s, Jean was instrumental in the introduction of Magnet Schools to the Montclair Public Schools.  Jean’s work experience includes serving as the Executive Director of the Adult School of Montclair and as administrative assistant and editor for various book authors including Peter Drucker and Donald Katz.  As a volunteer, Jean was President of the boards of the Adult School of Montclair and the Montclair Educational Fund, Chairman of the May in Montclair Festival Committee, Vice President of the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, and a member of the boards of the Montclair Chamber of Commerce, the Montclair Civil Rights Commission, and the Montclair State University Citizens’ Advisory Committee.  Jean worked with the Junior League to create the Senior Care and Activity Center; she held various leadership roles with the Montclair Parent-Teacher Association and the Montclair Operetta Club; and she was active at Immaculate Conception Church.  In 2000 she received a Community Volunteer Award from The Service Clubs Council of Montclair.  Along with her leadership, Jean brightened the lives of her many Montclair friends with her wit and charm; Jean loved Montclair, and Montclair loved her.  Jean is survived by her husband Duncan; her children Laura Couchman, Jay Kidd, and Carolyn Little; her sister Carol Gates; and six grandchildren. There will be no memorial service, but Jean asked that her friends “do something good for someone else, and think of me.” Condolences may be sent to laura.d.couchman@gmail.com