Jean Rose O'Leary, of South Windsor, CT, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, September 14, 2016. She was born in Hartford on June 26, 1947, and was raised in Windsor Locks. She attended St. Mary's School and Windsor Locks High school, Class of 1965. She attended Central Connecticut College (now University) and earned her BA and MA in teaching. She is survived by two brothers, her twin John O'Leary and his wife Beverly of Suffield, and Con O'Leary of Windsor Locks. She leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. She is predeceased by her father and former First Selectman Henry E. O'Leary, her mother Eleanor (Preli) O'Leary, and her sister Brenda Ives. A special thanks goes to cousin Carole Eschner who was so helpful during Jean's illness. Upon graduation she began teaching at North Street School in Windsor Locks. She taught the 6th grade and was well liked by her students and colleagues, and was known as a teacher who ran a tight ship. After 10 years of teaching she departed the profession and began a career working in manufacturing companies, primarily UTC's Pratt and Whitney. Jean was a great homemaker and loved to entertain friends and relatives in her tastefully decorated condominium. She enjoyed traveling and was an avid reader and a very good conversationalist. She enjoyed gatherings with family and friends, and she always was fully engaged in conversation. She was well informed about political matters and world affairs.When she had the time she loved to travel. She toured Europe, and was one of the first American students to tour Communist China. She made friends in Japan and in Europe and hosted them at her home in the US. In recent years her health had deteriorated steadily. Jean will be remembered as a bright spirit who could be depended on to enliven any gathering or discussion. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 42 Spring Street, Windsor Locks, CT (please meet at church). Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. For information or to leave online expressions of sympathy please visit, www.windsorlocksfuneralhome.com.