Amherst, Jeanne Juster, loving and joyous wife, mother, beloved sister and “Nana” passed away October 29 after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer. She was 87.

Jeanne, a woman who believed that laughter was always the best medicine, leaves behind her devoted husband of 54 years, Norton Juster, architect and author of The Phantom Tollbooth.

Residents of Amherst since 1982, Jeanne and Norton previously lived in Buckland, MA for many years after relocating from Brooklyn, NY. As a couple, they made friends wherever they went. People were drawn to the spirit and hospitality of Jeanne and Norton, and were beloved by Western Massachusetts’ rich literary and arts community and beyond.

After graduating from high school in London, England, Jeanne moved to New York City in 1956 to join her sister, Marlene. While working at McGraw-Hill, Jeanne studied graphic design at The New School and was hired as a graphic designer at Harper and Rowe.

During her 25 years in Amherst, Jeanne continued her graphic design career as well as volunteering at several nonprofit organizations including A Better Chance (ABC House) and Family Outreach of Amherst.

In addition to her husband, Jeanne is survived and will be forever cherished by her daughter, Emily Juster, granddaughter, Tori Juster, sister and brother-in-law Marlene and Ray Girardin, all of Amherst; sister Joan Coulter and brother Kenneth Ray of England; brother Brian Ray of Australia; sister in law Muriel Juster of Chevy Chase, MD as well as her many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jeanne’s full and remarkable life will take place on Friday, November 16, 2018 from 4pm – 6pm at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art 125 West Bay Road, Amherst. Please reply to rsvpcelebrationforjeanne@gmail.com by Monday November 12, 2018.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jeanne’s name to Family Outreach of Amherst, c/o Laura Reichsman, Director, 401 Main Street Suite12, Amherst, MA 01002.