Jean Sara McKenna, 89, of Beverly, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 19, 2026. S he is deeply loved and missed by her family, friends, neighbors and church community.
Jean was born in Beverly on July 21, 1937 to Russell and Elizabeth Dennis. She was sister to Allen (deceased), Diane (deceased), Cleone, William (deceased), and Marianne. Jean graduated from Story High School in Manchester-by-the-Sea in 1955 and kept in touch with her graduating class throughout her life. She was married to the love of her life, Joseph G. McKenna, from 1959 until his passing in 2004. They had three boys: Joseph “Jay” (deceased), Jeffrey, and Jon. Jean lived at the same address in Beverly for 60 years.
Jean had a passion for books, especially American classics like Gone with the Wind. She owned and operated Jean S. McKenna Books, a rare and used book business, which had two storefront locations in Beverly and continued from her home. Several fellow book enthusiasts befriended Jean, and they maintained spirited correspondences that spanned decades. Jean's grandchildren and great grandchildren grew up around her book room, which was a place of wonder and discovery, a treasury of stories and ornaments from days gone by.
Jean's love of Americana also extended to the Roaring 20s, Dixieland and gospel music, and especially Elvis. Well into her later years, Jean could dance a lively Charleston. Jean's spirit remained bright and playful, and she lit up when the youngest members of the family came to visit.
Jean attended North Shore Community Baptist Church for the past 20 years. She responded to God's grace with gratitude and praise, and she served in the church library for several years, expanding the offerings for young people during her tenure. Jean also loved her senior center community and led exercise sessions there.
Jean is survived by her sisters, Cleone White of Gloucester and Marianne Shrewsberry of Manchester-by-the-Sea; her son Jeffrey Allan and his wife Louise of Savage, Minnesota, and her son Jon Russell of Peabody; her six grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.
A graveside service for Jean's family will be held on Saturday, October 31 at 9:30 am at Rosedale Extension Cemetery in Manchester-by-the-Sea, followed by an 11:00 am memorial service at North Shore Community Baptist Church in Beverly Farms (refreshments will be served). Jean's family warmly invites all who knew and loved her to attend the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to North Shore Community Baptist Church.
