Jennifer Kelley Bemis, "Jamie" to all who knew her, died on Thursday, August 13t​h​ when hit by a car on her daily walk in Concord, MA. Jamie was the wife of 40 years to John Bemis, loving mother of Taylor (Andrea) and Charlotte (Luke) Boylan, and new and ecstatic grandmother to John and Pepper. She is also survived by her mother Jennifer Bailey, her brother Russell (Lynn) Kelley, her nephew Phelps (Annie) Kelley, and her beloved dog Sally. After a childhood in Palm Beach and Chicago, Jamie opted for the cold Vermont winters for college, staying in New England in the years following. She initially worked in family planning, a cause she believed in throughout her life. Shortly after moving to Concord, she met her husband-to-be, John. Together, they raised their children on 6 acres that Jamie used to found Gaining Ground, a non-profit farm growing and donating food to local food pantries, with which she continued to be involved for many years. She also engaged in her community through a term as chairman of the Natural Resource Commission. In 2011, Jamie suffered a stroke; however, never one to be deterred by hard work, she committed herself to her rehabilitation through Spaulding Hospital, regaining her ability to walk, run, bike, and hike (though her daughter finally had a fighting chance on the tennis court). Jamie felt that her stroke and subsequent recovery resulted in a more fulfilled and rich life for her and her family - the ultimate proof of her strength and indomitable spirit. In the years since, Jamie has been a dedicated philanthropist, contributing to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Handel and Haydn Society, Greater Boston Food Bank, her Parachute Fund at the Boston Foundation, and many smaller charities and needs, especially since the pandemic. Most recently, Jamie relished her role as grandmother to John and Pepper. In her too-short 8 months as Mimi, she became a primary caretaker for John, introducing him to the very best of classic country music and the fun to be had while wielding a spatula. She never had the chance to meet Pepper in person due to the pandemic, but was eagerly looking forward to her first visit in September. In the meantime, she waxed eloquent about her "beautiful granddaughter" to any available ear, and touched base with weekly skype calls. Mimi will certainly live on through her grandchildren. Jamie took her morning tea with a side of the New York Times Crossword and CNN news. She believed in handwritten thank-you notes and cookies for breakfast. She felt a keen responsibility to give back. And she fiercely stood by those she loved. Jamie Bemis was, in short, a force of nature. Her passion, work ethic, loyalty, and humor made her loved and respected by friends near and far. Jamie's favorite philosopher, Winnie-the-Pooh, once said, "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever." Jamie is forever in our hearts. The family will not be having a traditional service due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In lieu of flowers or food, please follow Jamie's example and donate to any charity with meaning to you. Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.