Jean Lafferty of Arnold, Maryland died on November 18, 2023 with her son, Michael and his wife, Cheryl, at her side. Although she had been declining over the past months, she led a vibrant life.

Family, friends, and community were the most important to her. Born and raised in Alliance Nebraska, she left home at 16 and started a journey to Washington, DC to aid in the war effort. She was married to Frank Lafferty in 1948 and until his death in September 2004. She was the consummate mom, shuffling her sons, Stephen and Michael, to sports events, scouts and to visit friends. She was a lifelong learner who loved music, art, art museums, literature, scripture, politics, government, the natural world and more! She took courses at AACC, through the senior center and wherever she could. She loved to play golf and to host her bridge group.

She worked in all three branches of Maryland's state government, working in the House of Delegates, for Governor Tawes, and finishing her career working in the Court of Special Appeals for Judges Morton and Gilbert. Her volunteer work was even more extensive. Her church, Woods Memorial Presbyterian in Severna Park was her passion, serving as an Elder, a member of the social justice committee and the women's giving circle, and feeding the hungry and homeless. She volunteered at Maryland Hall, the Annapolis Visitors' Bureau and on political campaigns. Her interests included the arts, music, playing bridge, golf, traveling to other countries, seeking justice and peace, but most of all she treasured the time she spent with her children and family.  And, she loved to visit museums, travel, learn other cultures and to experience Greece, Turkey, Alaska, Israel, Portugal and elsewhere.

She was intelligent, elegant, curious, thoughtful, opinionated, engaged and caring. She made friends and kept them as an essential part of who she was.

She is survived by her brother Bob Whitlock of Alliance, NE, her sons Stephen (Betsy) of Towson, MD and Michael (Cheryl) of Acworth GA, grandchildren Kathryn Messick (Brian) of Treasure Island, FL and Ryan Lafferty (Lauren) of Selbyville, DE, and their families and many nieces, nephews, and their children.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2pm on Friday, December 8th 2023, at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd Severna Park MD, 21146.

Memorial contributions may be made to Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd Severna Park MD, 21146.