Jean Topping

Jean F. (Finch) Topping, 88, of East Kingston, NH, died January 20, 2023 at Rockingham County Nursing Home in Brentwood, New Hampshire.

Born on November 13,1934 in New Haven, CT, she is the daughter of the late Eugene Finch and Helena Finch. Jean earned her diploma at Northfield School for Girls, Class of 1952, before matriculating to Radcliffe College, where she graduated A.B. Cum Laude in 1956. Pursuing her affinity for the French language, Jean relocated to France to attend, Institut de Touraine, Tours, from 1956-1957, earning her Certificat  d’Aptitude. Continuing her education, Jean earned her Master’s Degree in 1960 from Middlebury Graduate School of French, Paris, France, and Columbia University, Graduate Department of French, 1960-1963.

An accomplished linguist and teacher, Jean taught French and English courses around the world: Collège Moderne de Jeunes Filles, Tours, France, 1956-1957, Rosemary Hall, Greenwich, Connecticut 1957-1959, Haile Selassie I University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 1965, American Community School, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 1967-1969, East Kingston Elementary School, East Kingston, New Hampshire, 1972-1973, Exeter High School, Exeter, New Hampshire, 1973, and Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Connecticut, 1974-2000.

A dedicated wife, mother, educator, and friend, Jean cherished time spent with those dear to her. In her spare time, she enjoyed choral singing, horseback riding, hiking, birdwatching, archaeology, and photography.

Jean is survived by her son, Roderick Topping; and brother, Davis Finch. In addition to her parents, Jean was predeceased by her husband, Michael Topping.

ARRANGEMENTS: Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, Hampton.  In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to The Nature Conservancy at www.preserve.nature.org. To view Jean's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.