Eugenia “Jean” Scott Wadley was born on October 24, 1941, to the late John Scott and Adele Dixon Scott.
A resident of New Haven since 1958, she was born in Staten Island, New York. Jean was a politically active and dedicated resident of West Hills. She and her husband, Maurice H. Wadley, Sr. (deceased), hosted voter registration activities and coordinated transportation to the polls on election days. Besides making sure that the interests of Black people were considered in New Haven’s political processes, Jean also promoted the economic and political advancement of women in large measure as an active member of the Black Women’s Caucus, by supporting the development of minority-owned businesses, and by running for and holding public office. She also enjoyed support in small measures such as emulating pride and strength by portraying Angela Davis in the city’s annual “Freddie Fixer Day” parades.
Jean served as a member of the New Haven Board of Alderman for many years, representing the interests of people in the West Rock communities. As an employee and later as a Board member of the West Rock Neighborhood Corporation, she engaged in: community outreach, political awareness and voter registration efforts, and development of and fundraising for community education, employment, financial assistance, child care and social and recreational programs. In 2011, in honor of her commitment to community service, “Wadley Street” was dedicated in her honor.
Jean is survived by sons Maurice H. Wadley, Jr. and his wife Sharon Wadley, and Scott Wadley; daughters Kelly Wadley, and Barbara Wadley-Young and her husband Allen Young, Jr.; 10 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 20 nieces and nephews; and a host of other family members and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Saturday, March 15th, 2014 at 10:00a.m. at Saint Martin de Porres Church, 136 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. Burial will be private. Professional services entrusted to Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight St., New Haven. Online guestbook available at www.curvinkcouncil.com
What a huge loss to mankind.
My style of politics was hatched from Moe, my mother and Mrs. Wadley. The three of them would often take me to the old Mellebus club that once stood on Water street and just have me observe and meet people. I didn't then know why, but in retrospect I now know. They simply wanted me to see myself as a future political participant in the process.
Unfortunately, that genuine style of teaching has become anachronistic.
I could recall many a day and night sitting at our dinner table listening to Moe, Jean, my mom and at times Barbara Edmunds and Elliot Gomes structure ways in which make West Rock relevant politically. Yes there was a lot of cigarette smoke, cursing and the drinking of scotch and rum, but these guys were a proven force to be recon with in New Haven.
They always taught me the importance of standing up and fighting for the little man. In hindsight I had no choice because nearly 80% of West Rock comprised of public housing. I'm proud to have learned from such character driven individuals.
I could recall when the late Vinnie Mauro would call my mom and Jean during election season and say "Bess, we need West Rock." Moe, Jean and my mom would come up with the cost and convey their findings to Vinnie who would almost always say, "Guys, we don't have the money to pay that." Their response would be, "then you really don't need West Rock." Vinnie would come back and say "you guys run a hard bargain out there, but we'll pay for it."
You see, Vinnie knew that Jean, Moe and my mom would deliver West Rock just as they said. In essence, let your word matter.
So to Maurice, Kelly, Scott and Babara; hold your head up and always know that your mother left part of her legacy in many a people, especially me. I shall forever hold her straight talking, no beating around the bush and glaring personality dear to my heart.
Unfortunately, I'm unable to attend the funeral, but I'm indeed with you in sympathy, always.