Jean (Baker) McCaffery

Jean Baker McCaffery, 84, of Ash, NC passed away in the early morning of February 6, 2025 in the loving care of Brunswick Health and Rehab Center following a long decline in health and a short battle with pneumonia.
Born August 14, 1940 on Long Island to the late Bernard Bath Baker and Helen Martin, Jean was an excellent example of courage and strength from childhood.
In 1952, at age 12, Jean contracted the Polio virus which resulted in a year-long stay in the hospital as well as permanent muscle paralysis on her entire left side. Despite all of the new obstacles present and doctors warning her she would never live a long and normal life, she defied all odds.
Jean had a 40 year career on Long Island as a radiologic technician and was the mother to 2 incredible children, Kathleen Buchegger (North Myrtle Beach) and the late John McCaffery.
She is also leaving behind her grandchildren, Christoph, Victoria, and Valentin and her son-in-law, Chris.
She moved to South Carolina in 2005 with her family where she had a lovely condo down the street from her daughter, Kathy, where she would read on her porch in the warm sun and watch crime shows with her granddaughter.
In 2019, the progression of her disability became too difficult to live at home and she began her next and final chapter at Brunswick Health and Rehab Center. Although her health had many ups and downs, she brought light to those she touched and had many meaningful connections with her compassionate caregivers, especially Ashley, the CNA who became an honorary family member.
Jean loved nothing more than being with her family and she was surrounded by those who loved her, especially her devoted daughter, until the end of her exceptional life. 

A Private Celebration of Life will be held.

The family respectfully requests that donations be made to The Lower Cape Fear Life Care Centers, 1411 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401, www.lifecare.org 

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com.