Jeanette McDermott, 88, beloved mother and grandmother, died August 6 in South Windsor, Conn. Born Jeanette Elaine Mahan on May 22, 1921 in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was the much-loved daughter of Thomas Mahan and Elizabeth Langmeier Mahan, and beloved step-daughter of Arthur "Podge" Weihe. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati in 1942, Jeanette supervised innovative day care centers across Ohio for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during World War II; she later returned to the university to teach in the College of Home Economics. She married Roger J. McDermott of Cincinnati on December 28, 1946; the couple later moved to Manchester, Conn. and raised four children: Kathleen E. McDermott (Michael Murray) of Salt Lake City, Utah; Roger Dennis McDermott of Manchester, Conn.; Anne McDermott (Mark Geers) of Los Angeles; and Eileen McDermott (Harvey Rottenberg) of Richmond, Va. and New York City. In 1968, Jeanette received her Master's Degree in Education from the University of Hartford and began her career as a Reading Specialist in Hartford public schools and later at Skinner Road School in Vernon. In retirement, the McDermotts traveled extensively, including visits to relatives in Ireland and England. After Roger's death in 1991, Jeanette continued traveling, to Iceland, Great Britain, the Caribbean, and throughout the U.S. to visit her children; and became deeply involved in several charities including Meals On Wheels, and the Greater Hartford Salvation Army, serving as President of the Women's Auxiliary. Her wide circle of friends admired her warm hospitality and endless enthusiasm for new experiences. She is also remembered lovingly by her children for her wit, her voracious appetite for mystery novels, and her many acts of kindness. In addition to her children, Jeanette is survived by grandchildren Caitlin Murray Oderda (John Oderda), Mary Rose Murray, and Cecilia McDermott Geers; nephews Peter Amann and Thomas Nestor; and niece Mary Destro. The funeral Mass will take place at 11 am Saturday August 15th at Assumption Church, 27 Adams St. South in Manchester, Conn. where Jeanette was a longtime parishioner; a visitation hour will take place at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center St., Manchester from 9:30-10:30 am preceding the funeral. Burial will be at East Cemetery, Manchester. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Greater Hartford Salvation Army at 217 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106 or to a favorite charity. The family also wishes to thank the staffs of South Windsor Rehabilitation and Nursing Home and Masonicare, for their caring and kindness. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.