An Interview with Jean Tupper
by Jennifer Parker
It’s such a privilege to do these interviews because I become better acquainted with people and pass on what I learn to you. Jean Tupper has contributed much to our Unity community.
What would you like to share with the community about your life?
“I grew up in north central Wisconsin in a small resort city. I’m a retired elementary teacher. For several years, I was a reading language resource teacher and several as a kindergarten teacher. Originally I was an art major before changing to education.” Her husband Don is also a retired teacher.
Jean enjoys watercolor and does it for enjoyment, though she used to exhibit her paintings.
Jean and Don’s son and daughter-in-law live in Madison. She feels fortunate to have the opportunity to care for their grandson and have since he was three months old; he is six now. Their daughter and son-in-law live in the Boston area. Their granddaughter lives in the New York city area.
“We decided to retire in the Madison area in 2006.” They were teaching in another Wisconsin community, but at retirement decided to move to the Madison area since their son was already in Madison.
Jean grew up in a Lutheran and Methodist background. The traditional teachings often didn’t seem to make sense and didn’t seem loving to her. “I came to understand that it’s about love and there is so much judgment in traditional Christianity. I didn’t feel comfortable any more thinking that way.”
What brought you to Unity?
Jean learned about Unity as a church while reading a fictional book. A month later they found Unity of Madison by accident listed in the newspaper and decided to visit.
“What I like about the Unity church is the understanding that we are born in original blessing, not sin. That this is a very open and affirming community and it encourages personal, spiritual truth, to grow in your own faith. We didn’t visit any other churches after that.” The first time they came was Rev. Marshall’s first Sunday.
Jean enjoys most everything about Unity. “Our church services are so full of celebration, it lifts your spirit.”
What are your favorite activities at Unity?
“I was prayer chaplain for several years, and that was a deepening experience for me spiritually. To pray with another person is a deeper connection of trust. Sandy Streitelmeyer was the Prayer Chaplain coordinator at that time, and I have good memories of our training retreats.
“I enjoyed volunteering in the office when Julie Marca was the office manager. I was on the board of trustees for four years. That was when I came to appreciate the amount of work a trustee does for the church. What was special about Board meetings was it was always centered in prayer..” Jean appreciates the skills and integrity of the Board members.
“I was on the Women’s Retreat team for a few years and enjoyed the weekend retreats.” One year at a Racine retreat, a mother goose had a nest outside near the main entrance. She was sitting on her eggs, so they had to go in a different door because the male goose would attack.
“I really appreciate and enjoy the book studies. This community is well read and knowledgeable, so the discussions are interesting and insightful.” Jean also frequents the bookstore and has found some great Unity books.
Is there anything you’d like to see Unity do that would make your experience even better?
Jean would love for Unity to have weekend Women’s Retreats again. She is impressed with how a group recently organized all the books in the library. She remembers that Don made the cabinets for the books.