Jeanne Henriette (Demers) Witkowski, 89, of Westport, Massachusetts, was welcomed into eternal life on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Sarah S. Brayton Nursing Center in Fall River, surrounded by the love that defined her life.

Born in Fall River on January 10, 1937, the tenth child of the late Henri and Regina Demers, Jeanne was a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to the children and families she served. She was the beloved wife of the late Gerald Francis “Jerry” Witkowski, with whom she shared a marriage rooted in love, faith, and the simple joys of life together—especially their cherished annual anniversary trips to Maine or New Hampshire and being with family.

A lifelong educator, Jeanne earned her master’s degree and poured her heart into teaching for decades. She began her career in New Jersey while living with her sister, continued in Pennsylvania, and then returned home to the Fall River area, where she taught for over twenty years in various public schools such as the N.B. Borden, Wiley, and finally Watson Elementary. Generations of students were shaped by her patience, encouragement, and belief in their potential. Even after retirement, her love of teaching never faded; she continued as a substitute at New England Christian Academy in Swansea, remaining close to her grandchildren, who were students there. The classroom that had always been her calling.

Jeanne’s faith was the foundation of her life. She attended Mass weekly and shared her gifts as an organist, lifting the hearts of her parish community through music. She found joy in plays and musical performances, in summer days spent outdoors with family and friends, and especially in cheering on her daughter, grandchildren, then great-grandchildren at their sporting events. Her presence was a constant source of encouragement and pride. A long-time resident of the Greater Fall River area, she made her home in Westport in 2009.

She leaves behind a rich legacy of love: her devoted daughter, Joan Mary Rosseter, and son-in-law David A. Rosseter Jr.; her grandchildren Courtney Murdock, Kenneth Forcier Jr. and his wife Destiny, and Aimee Rose; and her great-grandchildren Dylan, Liliana, Sofia, and Amelia.

She will also be remembered by extended family, friends, former colleagues, and the many students whose lives she touched with kindness and dedication.

Family and Friends are warmly invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Southcoast Funeral Home, inside of the Ferreira Chapel, 1555 Pleasant Street, Fall River. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 951 Stafford Road, Fall River. Burial to follow Mass at Notre Dame Cemetery, Stafford Road.

May Jeanne rest in the peace of Christ, who was the center of her life, and may her example of faithful service, love of family, and joy in simple blessings continue to inspire all who knew her.

Services are humbly entrusted into the care of Southcoast Funeral Homes, "Celebrating A Life Well Lived"