Obituary of Jean “Jamie” Weigle

Jean Weigle

Jean “Jamie” Weigle passed away at home surrounded by members of her family on December 31, 2020 from natural causes while under hospice care.  She was born on March 26, 1927 in Syracuse, NY to John Dalton James and Mary Elizabeth Bingham James.  She graduated from The Albany Academy for Girls and went on to attend Cornell University where she met and married William H. Weigle, Jr. in June 1947.   They lived in Ft. Wayne, IN and Cincinnati, OH before moving to South Egremont, MA to help Bill’s father run Four Ways Farm, a dairy farm on Baldwin Hill Road.

Jamie was a loving mother, a strong, multi-talented woman and will be sorely missed.  While raising her four children, she helped run the farm , including feeding up to four hired hands every day, in addition to her own family.  She found time to become a Cub Scout Den Mother for Duke’s troop.  She was an accomplished seamstress and carpenter, single handedly building a horse box stall for Peggy’s first pony, as well as furniture for the house.  Mom was a natural athlete, excelling in figure skating, cross country skiing, and tennis.

After the Holstein herd was sold in 1962, Mom started her own career, working in retail for Designs for Giving, then Kenver Ltd., where she was the ace tennis racket stringer, and finally at Millhouse Clothier.  She then ventured out on her own opening Odyssey II Boarding Kennels.  She was a true lover of dogs. Pet owners were so enamored with the care their pets received that they would drive from Boston or NYC just to board with her.  She was well into her 70’s when she decided to close the kennels.

Jamie is survived by her sister Mary Elizabeth Hay of Nashua, NH, her four children, William J. Weigle and wife Belle of New Boston, NH, J. Peter Weigle of Lyme, CT, Margaret “Peggy” Weigle and husband Greg Pflum of Corrales, NM and David “Duke” Weigle of South Egremont, MA, as well as by 5 Grandchildren, 2 great Grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews.  Her husband Bill predeceased her in September 2018. At her request, there will be no service.  The family wishes to thank the compassionate medical team at Fairview Hospital, Hospice Care in the Berkshires, and Ann Marie Campbell for their excellent care during Mom’s final days.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the shelter where she adopted her beloved Bassett Hound “Reggie,”Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Rd., Pittsfield, MA 01201 or Berkshirehumane.org. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.

4 Responses to Obituary of Jean “Jamie” Weigle

  1. A big shout-out from Peter Barrett to all of the Weigles in honor of “Aunt Jamie.” An amazing lady, her obit didn’t mention the other children that she fed along with farm hands! How many times did I ride my Huffy Convertible over to the Weigle’s, and be taken in like another family member? I’ll always remember her huge garden behind the farmhouse, her wonderful laugh, and the sparkle in her eyes.

  2. I didn’t know her as a figure skater or tennis player in her younger years, but I always felt she taught me something about grace in the presence of the realities of life, a lesson I appreciate. So glad to have known her.

  3. I will always hold fond memories of all the kindnesses and great talks I had with Mrs. Weigle- such a truly remarkable and caring woman. My sincere sympathy to the Weigle family. R. Bucknell

  4. We are saddened to learn of your mother’s death. She was a remarkable woman and we loved spending time with her and Bill. We hope you are comforted by your wonderful memories of her. Sincerely, Wilbur and Suzanne Hunt

Leave a Reply to Susan Thompson Barrett Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *