Jean Sweany (Smith) Nekola died on May 1, 2015 at the age of 89. Born on November 13, 1925 at Camp Lewis (now Fort Lewis), Washington, she was the daughter of Laura Ward Sweany and General Kenneth Shearer Sweany, a 1923 graduate of the US Military Academy. As an Army Brat, Jean grew up at a variety of army posts from Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii to Madison Barracks, New York and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, as well as several civilian assignments. In 1942 she went to Wells College in Aurora, New York, graduating in 1946. In 1949 she went to the University of Missouri for her Masters Degree in History. In 1951 Jean married Stephen H. Smith II, a 1944 graduate of the US Military Academy. Jean leaves behind the four beloved children she had with Steve as well as their spouses: Laura L. Smith married to Peter C. Huber (Monkton); Stephen H. Smith III married to Linda B. Smith (Hinesburg); Pamelia E. Smith married to John Healy (Norwich, now deceased) and Michael B. Smith married to Lynnette B. Smith (Essex Junction). She also leaves six beloved grandchildren: Graham L. Huber; Connor Michael Smith; Emily B. Smith; Lucas K. Smith; Owen B. Smith and Tiernan L. Smith and a wonderful great-grandson, Miles Glindmyer. In 1966 Jean married William J. Nekola who predeceased her in 1986. After retirement, she moved to South Burlington, Vermont to be closer to her family. In 1993 she became a guide at the Shelburne Museum where she worked until 2009. Jean was a born teacher. As she said, Teaching was always at the core of my existence. She wanted to be a teacher from second grade on and was able to follow her chosen profession starting in the public school system of Jonesboro, Arkansas and ultimately retiring as English Chairperson from St. Pauls School for Girls in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1991, the Maryland Council of Teachers of English Language Arts selected Jean as Teacher of the Year. Over the course of her many years at St. Pauls for Girls, Jean stressed two very personal core values: the ability to think deeply and clearly, and to act with honor and integrity. She was an inspirational presence for many of her students, many of whom stayed in touch over the years. Jean was a truly wonderful mother, grandmother and friend, and her inquisitive mind, smile and grace in the face of adversity are missed already. Jean resided at the Residence at Otter Creek where she enjoyed many friendships and the wonderful care from the staff, whom she came to know so well. There will be a private family burial and memorial service celebrating Jeans life that will be held on July 17 at a location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jeans name to St. Paul School for Girls, PO Box 10, Brooklandville, Maryland 21022, the Humane Society of Chittenden County or to a charity of your choice.