Jean M. Goguen

Jean M. Goguen, age 92, of Reading, formerly of Lynnfield and Fitchburg, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025, surrounded by her family at her death.

Born December 9, 1932, in Fitchburg, Jean was the daughter of the late Louise and Martin Lees MacCracken. She graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1950 as Vice President of her class and went on to earn her associate degree from Becker Junior College in 1952, again serving as Vice President of her class. Demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning, Jean returned to school later in life and graduated from Merrimack College in 1990, attending classes at night while balancing her many responsibilities.

In 1954, Jean married her high school sweetheart, Dr. Norman “Red” Goguen, beginning a loving partnership that would span 55 years until his passing. Together, they raised four children and created a home filled with love and laughter.

After dedicating herself to raising her children, Jean embarked on a meaningful career in social services. She worked with Catholic Charities, where she coordinated the Parent Aide Program, providing support to families in need. She continued her service to others until her retirement at age 78 when her husband became ill.

Jean was a woman of deep faith and an active member of Saint Maria Goretti Church for many years, where she was a daily communicant. She served her church community as a CCD teacher, eucharistic minister, and minister to the homebound, bringing comfort and companionship to those who could no longer attend mass.

Beyond her church, Jean was deeply involved in her community. She served on the Citizens Advisory Board to the Department of Family and Children for many years and was a past trustee of Women’s Auxiliary to the Mass Medical Society as well as being involved as a volunteer at Melrose Wakefield Hospital.

Jean had a remarkable gift for friendship. Everywhere she went, she made friends and people cared about her. She cherished her friendships from Olde Towne Road, Townsend Road, Essex Village, and Pearl Street, creating a network of love and connection that enriched her life and the lives of those around her.

An avid athlete throughout her life, Jean enjoyed skiing, tennis, golf, and swimming. She treasured time spent with her husband and family, particularly the many cherished memories created at their winter home in Waterville Valley.

She was a ray of sunshine who would wink knowingly at her children while they listened to her sing off key in church. She was an accomplished knitter who made baby sweaters for her grandchildren and proudly needlepointed college seals for all of her children and grandchildren.

She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Norman “Red” Goguen, with whom she shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. She was the loving mother of Suzanne Will and her husband Eric of Mt. Vernon, NH, Elizabeth Scanley and her husband Stephen of New York, NY, Richard Goguen and wife Tiffany of Stow, MA and Christopher Goguen and his wife Jennifer of Lynnfield. She is survived by her grandchildren, Hannah Riley and her husband Michael, Ian Will and his wife Andrea, and Collin and Dylan Scanley and Matthew, Emily and Olivia Goguen; as well as he two great grandchildren, Margot and Mylin Riley. She was the sister of the late Martin Lees “Bud” MacCracken Jr. and the late Barbara Worgul. She was the aunt of Kevin, Brian, and the late Tom Worgul.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Wednesday, December 3 from 3-6pm. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Maria Goretti Church, 112 Chestnut St., Lynnfield on Thursday, December 4 at 10am. Interment, Forest Hill Cemetery, Lynnfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities Boston, 275 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127.