Friday, January 11, 2008

Jean crossed over from this realm to the next last evening at 10:45. Her brother-in-law Earl and I had the honor of caring for her the last few days of her earthly life -Earl had the day shift and I the night shift. Her transition was peaceful and easy with family, friends, and pets around her, classical cello playing, the fireplace ablaze, and her aquarium active. Watts and a close friend had just poured a drink and as they toasted her and clinked their glasses, she drew her last breath. Her timing was perfect, as always!! Watts then led a ceremony which included The Lord's Prayer, Amazing Grace, reading of a favorite poem - "Let Evening Come" by Jane Kenyon, cleansing and then surrounding her body with rose petals, and the sharing of wine and stories - a very special send off for a truly special lady!! This is a time for celebration, as her physical challenges have ended and she has entered into joy, peace, and light. Trudy

Bless your family

In the recent days I've come to enjoy reading about the life and times of our dear Jean. I opened "cooking with jean" today to find that she has journeyed home. My heart aches--with sadness that I won't get to ever thank her for being part of my journey. It also aches with joy that our paths crossed. Bless your family and may peace be with you.

You are in out thoughts and prayers

Butch,
News has reached us here in Oklahoma as our hearts are saddened by the passing of Jean. She brought a smile into the room each time she entered and I will cherish the time we spent with her last December at Betty's Birthday party. Know we are praying for you and your entire family as you take the journey God has laid before you in the coming days, weeks, months and years.

Cheryl Lynn, and family
Uncle Wayne, and Aunt Karen
Gary, Lorri and Family

Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted"

God saw you getting tired,
when a cure was not to be;
He closed his arms around you,
and whispered, "Come to Me".
In tears we saw you sinking,
we watched you fade away.

Our hearts were almost broken,
you fought so hard to stay
But when we saw you sleeping,
so peacefully, free from pain
We could not wish you back,
to suffer so again.

So keep your arms around Jean,
Lord, and give her special care,
Make up for all she suffered,
and all that seemed unfair.

I appreciate your wisdom

I did not have the pleasure of knowing Jean over a long period of time. I had seen her work in the research literature and have a vivid memory of seeing her elegant profile for the first time, although I am not sure if this occurred at a meeting of the American Psychological Association or the Council of Directors of School Psychology Programs. We also interacted at various school psychology events.

I got to know Jean well in 2007, when I was president of Division 16 (school psychology) of APA and Jean was President Elect. This was one of the more difficult years in Division 16's history. Jean's quiet confidence, calm demeanor, insightful comments, and hard work allowed the Division to navigate the stormy seas and come out on the other side intact.

It was never clear to those of us on the Division EC that this was also one of the toughest years in Jean's personal journey, as she never complained and never made her condition an issue. Jean is a warm and supportive colleague who all of us could lean on when we needed to. My thoughts, prayers, and strength are with Jean and her family, now and always.

Frank C. Worrell