Jean was born in Yorkshire. She is currently President of U3A Glenorchy in Hobart, Tasmania. She retired at the end of 2008 from the Australian Education Union after four years as State President for Tasmania, after a long career in secondary schools teaching English, Social Science and Special Needs.
She is long-time member, and past-president, of the Zonta Club of Hobart Derwent, a service club for business and professional women. She is also on the Executive Committee of the Retirement Benefits Association in Tasmania.
She lives with her partner, Colin, a retired journalist, and Loius, their King Charles Cavalier, in Berriedale where they have a great view of MONA (Museum of New and Old Art). She has three adult sons, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. As a retired teacher and unionist, she is committed to the value and importance of life-long learning for all.
Her main interests are classical music and opera, concerts, theatre and films, reading and as much travel as she can manage.