Beth Ellen Jennings (Myszewski)
Potter, Artist, Teacher, Mother, Sister, and Grandmother
Beth Jennings, an artist and teacher, died peacefully January 2, 2014 at Life Care Center in Billerica, MA. She was 72. Beth spent her last days in the company of her friends, her children Sarah Mills and James Jennings, and their families.
Clay was primarily how Beth expressed her creativity. For many years, she supported her family though sales of pottery and the classes she taught. She also painted, sewed, quilted, and worked with neon. As much as creating brought her joy, Beth was happiest when she was sharing her love and knowledge.
The oldest of three daughters to Vernon and Mary Jane Jennings of Janesville, WI, Beth was her dad’s hunting and fishing buddy. Beth’s dad was her beacon, giving continuity and comfort throughout her life. They spent summers and weekends at a cottage on Lake Wisconsin. When they were out hunting, after fall plowing, they would find in the fields arrowheads, stone axes, awls, scrapers, and other Native American artifacts.
For several years, Beth worked at an open-air museum of frontier life in Iowa. She shared Native American life and lore with schools groups and visitors. One of her visitors was from the Smithsonian Museum in Washington. He was so impressed with her knowledge and ability to teach that he invited her to interview at the National Museum of the American Indian.
Later in life, she returned to live in the cottage on the Wisconsin River where she had so many fond memories. After selling her cottage in 2008, Beth moved-in full-time with Sarah’s family and resumed active membership in First Parish Church UU Billerica.
In death, Beth is fulfilling two lifelong dreams. Her body is now at Harvard Medical School helping to train a new generation of doctors. When younger, Beth spoke often of hiking the Appalachian Trail. After med school and cremation, her children will find a through-hiker to carry some of her ashes the length of the trail. At the end of her journey, Beth’s ashes will be buried in one of her own pots, next to her parents, in the family plot in the Milton Cemetery.
Beth’s going away party (memorial service) was Saturday, February 15, 4PM at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Billerica, 7 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. Family and friends are welcome.
Donations in memory of Beth Jennings may be made to The Friends of Parker River NWR, National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950, http://www.parkerriver.org.
1940s-Young Beth in tree guiding boat
1940s Beth with wild bird
1960s Beth Potting at Kickwheel cutting vase free
Beth at Chohuli at MFA Boston 2012-04-23
Beth’s 72 Birthday with Liam Luke and Nick 2013-06-22