Jeanne Watson Driscoll

Beloved wife, mother and sister, pioneer researcher and champion for women’s health, Dr. Jeanne Watson Driscoll passed away peacefully after an exceptionally brief illness on May 21, 2024. She was deeply loved by many, including her husband of 50 years, her children, grandchildren, siblings, friends, clients, and neighbors. Nurse Driscoll dedicated her life in service to others. She touched countless people with her humor, sincerity, honesty, and advocacy. 

Born in the Bronx in 1949, Jeanne was the second child and first daughter of Robert E. Watson, Jr. and Lorraine (Rittereiser) Watson. From the Bronx, they moved to New Jersey when she was in 4th grade, and eventually to Monmouth County and the Jersey shore. 

Jeanne knew from the age of four that she wanted to be a nurse and she worked tirelessly to fulfill that dream. From college at the University of Delaware, nursing brought her to Boston in 1971, where she began her career at the Deaconess Hospital.  She never imagined she would live in Boston for the rest of her life, but she met David in 1972, and they made their life together here.  Their home was always open to everyone. David and Jeanne held countless holiday parties, always welcoming anyone who may need a place to celebrate. 

Jeanne had the ability to make you feel completely seen and heard. Professionally, she took her own experiences and worked to help countless parents get through those early days of parenthood, through classes at the Brigham, her private therapy practice, videos, books and articles that were seen throughout the world, and so many talks!

She is preceded in death by her parents and older brother, Lt. Cn. Robert E. Watson III. She leaves behind a legacy that will live on as well as her husband, David, her children Lorraine (Ron Sousa) and Katie, her grandchildren Maddie, David and Angel, as well as her sister Christine Hibbitts, and two brothers John and Tim Watson. We can’t name all the family that will feel her absence greatly, but she loved each of her nieces and nephews deeply and always answered the phone or opened the door when they came calling. We know she will be sorely missed by so many and hope that in her memory you will always take good care of the babies and mothers in your lives and be a listener to those who need it. Everyone's story matters. 

Visiting hours will be held in the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Tuesday, May 28, from 4:00 to 8:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Holy Name Church 1689 Centre St. West Roxbury on Wednesday, May 29, at 10:00am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Holy Name Conference of St. Vincent de Paul (1689 Centre St, West Roxbury, MA 02132, or online www.svdpboston.org/donate/, note in memory of Jeanne Driscoll to the Holy Name Conference).