OCEAN ISLE BEACH — Jenness (Jen) Dearborn, 81, of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, formerly of Concord, New Hampshire, and Lumberton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Jenness is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Susan Dearborn; two daughters: Sarah Beauvais and her husband Dean of Shallotte, NC, and Debbie Harris and her husband Ben of Asheville, NC; and four cherished grandchildren: Zack, Abbie, Miles and Porter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hilda and Henry Dearborn, and by his two sisters, Diane Daley and Donna Woodfin, Donna being not only his sister but his closest friend. He is also remembered with love by his many nieces and nephews.
Born on November 14,1943, in Concord, New Hampshire, Jenness was a graduate of Concord High School and New Hampshire Technical School. He proudly served in the National Guard before beginning a long and successful career in manufacturing.
He started his professional journey at Universal Packaging Corporation (now Graphic Packaging) in Concord. In 1972, Jenness moved his family to Lumberton, North Carolina, where he became Production Control Manager and soon after was promoted to Plant Manager, a role he held for over 30 years. He later returned to Concord to serve as Vice President of Manufacturing until his retirement in 2005 at the age of 62.
In retirement, Jenness and Susan settled in Ocean Isle Beach, where they found joy in coastal living and volunteered together with the local sea turtle protection programs at Ocean Isle and Holden Beach.
Jenness was a skilled woodworker, who enjoyed crafting pieces and generously gifting them to family and friends. He was also an avid golfer in his earlier years and an enthusiastic world traveler.
According to his wishes, Jenness will be cremated and his ashes laid to rest beneath the sea as part of an eternal reef, reflecting his deep connection to the ocean.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice and We Help at Home for their loving and compassionate care during his final days.
At this time, no memorial services are planned. A celebration of life will be held at a future date for the family, to honor and remember Jenness remarkable life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Open Hearts Art Center, organizations that were meaningful to Jenness and his family.
