On Nantucket, we often talk about "legacy" in terms of real estate and historic preservation. But the true legacy of the island is found in the people who built its community from the ground up. Jeanette Topham, who passed away in February at the age of 88, was a masterclass in that quiet, foundational strength.

From the commercial scalloping boats she worked with her husband, Jack, to the catering business that served Presidents and neighbors alike, Jeanette understood the labor that powers this island. She didn't just witness Nantucket’s transformation; she participated in it — serving on the School Committee, the Airport Commission, and the Board of A Safe Place.

In this 2018 interview from Nantucket Community Television, Jeanette reflects on a life defined by work, faith, and an unshakable commitment to her home. These are the stories that define us.