Obituary of Jean Aileen Smith

Jean Aileen Smith passed away September 29, 2019 in Olympia, Washington. She was born January 28, 1935 in Canton, Minnesota. Her parents the Rev. Charles A. and Johanna Olsen lived in many locations while he served as a member of the Lutheran clergy. The family moved to Washington state in 1942. Jean graduated from Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor and attended Pacific Lutheran University. She married the love of her life, John Albert Smith, on October 16, 1954 in Olympia.

 

John was employed in several different locations throughout the United States, therefore relocating was part of the norm. Jean was employed for much of her adult life. Before her marriage, she worked for the Washington State Treasurer’s Office, and upon her return to the Washington from Oklahoma, she resumed government employment as a civil service employee at Ft. Lewis, from which she retired.

 

After her retirement, Jean became a surrogate grandma and cook at her daughter Nancy's daycare in Roy, Washington for several years. After the sale of the daycare, she became a cook at Easthaven Assisted Living in Yelm, Washington. Jean was a wonderful human being, with a heart of gold. She always had an open door and a warm bed for anyone who needed it. Without hesitation, she fed those who were hungry, needing a meal.

Jean had numerous hobbies over the years, including macramé, participating in bowling leagues, gardening, cooking, traveling, camping, fishing, casino gaming, and so much more. She also loved dancing and music. Jean was an animal lover and Pug enthusiast. She was an avid reader until Macular Degeneration took her vision. She loved crime shows and found joy in cooking and she was superb at that!  I hope she found the kitchen of all kitchens beyond those pearly gates. Some of us have already had several recipes conveniently placed before us lately, her way of encouraging us to pick up where she left off. She rarely complained about anything, always minded her own business, and never spoke poorly of others. Jean was always supportive, very kind and caring. She was loved by many, lots of children throughout the years, many who began referring to her as “Grandma Peaches."

 

Jean will be missed dearly and remembered by all.

 

Yes, mother we will behave! Her last request.

 

She is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Julie Clark (husband, John), Carolyn Bockman (husband, Dwayne), Nancy Larsen and Stacey Matheson; grandchildren, Misty Dawn, Shonna Jo, Ricky Allen, Lindsey Faye, Julie Pamela, Kimberlee Jean, Kendall Joyce, Charlee Jo, Jacqueline Marie, John Matthew, and Blake Daniel; great grandchildren, Charles, Destiny, Daija, Sienna, Israel, Elijah, and Olivia; sisters, Audrey, Diane, Barbara; one brother Rolf; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her husband, John (1999); son-in-law, Charles Larsen; granddaughter, Danielle Marie Bockman; and great-great-grandson, Hayden McCray.

Services were officiated by Pastor Nick Costa on October 5, 2019, 12:00 p.m at Calvary Chapel of Yelm, 13025 Morris Road SE, Yelm, WA 98597.

 

 

 

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