Jean M. Joseph died Nov. 30, six days short of her 89th birthday. She was known for her energy, drive and broad range of interests.

Jean Morse was born in New York city to parents who would later found the Beach Plum Inn in Chilmark. She vacationed on the Island for many summers, beginning in the late 1940s.

As a child Jean was an avid athlete, running track and playing tennis. As an adult she was active in bowling leagues, played tennis and, in her later years, resumed playing bridge, eventually becoming a Life Master.

Jean began her career as a teacher in Harlem. She later taught in Cleveland after marrying Ernest W. Joseph, aka Bud Wendell. Later she worked at Friendly Town and served as director of community relations for the City of Cleveland Heights. At age 50 she earned her master’s degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University. She became director of school and community relations for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights school system. At age 65, Jean became a licensed real estate agent, finally retiring at 83. Throughout her lifetime she was active in civil rights matters. She worked on the Carl Stokes campaign and was an avid Barack Obama supporter. Always active, she attended plays at the Playhouse, Dobama and Playhouse Square Theatres, enjoyed eating out, traveling, knitting and bridge. In the past few years she had taken writing workshops. She bought a new car at age 87.

She is survived by her children, Wendy Oliver, Warren Joseph and Kathryn Joseph; and her two grandsons, Jeremy Ray and Michael Joseph and his wife Cindy.

The family is planning a private service out of state.