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DARIEN, Conn. Jessie Walker Searles, a former Darien resident, died Sept. 9 at Wilton Meadows in Wilton. She was 95.
Known as "Jay," Searles was born March 17, 1917 in Rouses Point, N.Y., she was the youngest daughter of Edwin James and Nettie Mussen Walker. She was married to Arthur D. Searles, who died in 1992. They raised their family in Hewlett, N.Y., and Garden City, N.Y.
In 2000, Searles moved to Atria Senior Living in Darien, where she made many friends and became an active member of the community. She enjoyed oil painting and ceramics classes, baking and knitting groups and taking day trips.
She was an avid New York Mets fan and loved word games, puzzles and playing cards, especially Pinochle. She also read extensively.
Searles is survived by three daughters, Pamela (Albert) Miller, of Wilton, Patricia (Steve) Searles-Kelly, of Whitewater, Wis., and Donna Searles, of Providence, R.I.; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Friday at Edward Lawrence Funeral Home in Darien. A service will follow at 5:30 p.m., with the Rev. Cynthia Bell officiating. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Masonicare Home Health and Hospice, c/o The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, 74 Cheshire Road, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492.
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