Eugenia ‘Jean’ A. Waters, had pet ministry

Eugenia "Jean" A. Waters, 76, of Rehoboth Beach departed this life Sunday, May 2, 2021, after complications from surgery. She was born Tuesday, Oct. 10, 1944, in New Haven, Conn., daughter of the late Anthony J. and Helen V. (D'Albero) Marnett.

Jean was a North Haven High School graduate, class of 1962, in North Haven. She took business courses in high school, and began her career as a secretary with the New Haven Railroad. She then moved on and became an administrative assistant for Dr. Schwartz in the psychology department at Yale University. Following her time in Connecticut, she then moved to the Mid-Atlantic area with her husband Dave and worked alongside him in his business, Autoport in New Castle. She was then an executive assistant at Speakman Company for over 20 years.

Jean had her passions in life, including gardening, dog training and working with her dogs, and others' dogs, as therapy dogs. She enjoyed bowling, tennis, and skiing. Jean loved music, especially live concerts, and dancing. She also served on the board of The Birthday Project matching volunteers with children experiencing homelessness through the magic of a birthday celebration.

Jean was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth. She co-led Epworth's Leashes of Love ministry, a pet visitation ministry which shares the unconditional love of pets with weekly visits to assisted living facilities in the Rehoboth-Lewes community.

Jean was known as a phenomenal listener and was incredibly thoughtful and caring in all that she did. Her family and friends appreciated her beautiful smile. She and her husband Dave lived a full life with skiing, boating, and enjoying all that Rehoboth offered with their group of friends known as the "4-to-9ers."

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, David Waters; her brothers, Anthony and Martin Marnett; and a grandson, Michael David Waters. She is survived by her two sons: Michael Toni (Birgitta) of Lueders, Texas, and Robert Toni of Providence, R.I. She is also survived by four stepchildren: Lynne Waters Beliveau (David) of Leesburg, Va., Sharon Waters Tudino (Frank) of Orange, Conn., Keith Waters (Danell) of Village of Lakewood, Ill., and Jennifer Waters Bronson (William) of Orange. Jean had 10 grandsons, two granddaughters and one great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 5, at 2 p.m., at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, where friends may visit beginning at 1 p.m. The interment of ashes will follow the service at Epworth Cemetery, 187 Henlopen Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing protocols must be observed, and masks must be worn by everyone participating in any aspect of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 with an earmark for the Memorial Fund for Jean Waters.

Please visit Jean's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her virtual guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.