Jenny E. (Herd) Noonan

Jenny E. (Herd) Noonan, 66, of Boston, Massachusetts and Block Island, Rhode Island passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, at her cherished home on Block Island, surrounded by the love of her devoted family.

Born in Pittsfield, MA, Jenny, one of six siblings, was the beloved daughter of the late Robert G. and Marian (May) Herd. Jenny graduated from Babson College where she was an active alumna over the years, including serving on the Board of Overseers and as one of the founders of the Center for Women's Leadership. She was honored with a Distinguished Alumni award for her contributions.

Professionally, Jenny went on to be a successful marketer, rising through the ranks at companies such as Frito-Lay, Pepsi and Schering-Plough where she worked on developing iconic products including Cool Ranch Doritos and Slice. But her true passion was being a mother to her two daughters, Elizabeth and Caroline, who will always remember her as a warm, loving and thoughtful fixture in their lives. She bestowed many life-lessons to them, perhaps none more poignant than to "always be kind to yourself.” Outside of the home, Jenny’s commitment to volunteerism and her spirit of giving led her to positions on the boards of the Boch Center in Boston and the Block Island Club. She was also a regular volunteer at The Women’s Lunch Place.

Jenny met her husband Jerry at Babson in 1978. A multi-year friendship eventually blossomed into love and a 40-year marriage full of adventure and good fortune.

Jenny loved life. She adored hosting and cooking, traveling the world with her family, making her legendary blackberry jam, and later in life, capturing the unique beauty of Block Island in her distinct and colorful paintings. Those who were lucky enough to know Jenny can attest to her warm and patient demeanor and the unwavering care and compassion she showed others. From family gatherings, to parties of all sizes, to a steady stream of Block Island house guests, all of the people in her many worlds experienced the gift of Jenny’s generous spirit in innumerable ways. Her memory is a blessing to all who knew her. 

Jenny is survived by her five siblings, two beautiful daughters, Elizabeth Noonan Brodsky and Caroline Noonan Gould, two wonderful sons-in-law, Max Brodsky and William Gould, a precious granddaughter, Walker May Gould and her “happy puppy,” Rhody.

For those local to Block Island, a celebration of Jenny’s life will be held on Friday, August 15th at The 1661 Inn 1-3 PM. For those local to Boston & beyond, a celebration of Jenny’s life will be held on Monday, September 15th at The Boch Center’s Wang Theatre from 3-6 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to The Block Island Health Center, The Block Island Conservancy, The Boch Center, or The Alzheimer’s Association.

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