Cooking With Jean

The Decommissioning of Jean's Office Friday May 16

2008-05-07T21:55:00.004-04:00

2008-02-18T16:42:00.002-05:00

Happy
50th
Birthday!!!!

Love You,
Trudy

Tear Soup

2008-02-08T19:35:00.000-05:00

Helpful ingredients to consider

* a pot full of tears
* one heart willing to be broken open
* a dash of bitters
* a bunch of good friends
* many handfuls of comfort food
* a lot of patience
* buckets of water to replace the tears
* plenty of exercise
* a variety of helpful reading material
* enough self care
* season with memories
* optional; one good therapist and/or support group

Directions:

Choose the size pot that fits your loss. It’s ok to increase the pot size if you miscalculated. Combine ingredients. Set temperature for a moderate heat. Cooking times will vary depending on the ingredients needed. Strong flavors mellow over time. Stir often. Cook no longer than you need to.

Suggestions

* be creative
* trust your instincts
* cry when you want to, laugh when you can
* freeze some to use as a starter for next time
* write your own soup making in a journal so you won’t forget

Serves One

FROM TEAR SOUP, a recipe for healing after loss. Available Through Grief Watch

By Pat Schwiebert & Chuck DeKlyen Illustrated by Taylor Bills

Copyright Grief Watch 2006 www.griefwatch.com

2008-01-30T18:10:00.000-05:00

A Sermon for the Funeral of Jean Baker

January 26, 2008

The Rev Kit Carlson
http://www.allsaints-el.org/

This is not fair.

It is not fair that we should be here today,
marking the end of Jean Baker’s life on earth.

It’s not fair that Jean,
who was such a good person, such a kind person, such a joyful person,
should have been forced to fight cancer, that terrible disease.

It’s not
fair that Charles and Liz should lose their mother, that Watts should
lose his wife, or that all of us should lose such a beloved friend, in such
an untimely way.

Jean was a person worth keeping around. She was smart – she
earned her Ph.D. in 1992, but she never stopped learning. Even in the
midst of her illness, she continued to counsel students and pursue her
research. In fact, a paper she helped author was published in a
professional journal in the week of her death.

Jean loved her work,
loved her colleagues, loved her students, all the way up to the end.
Jean was deeply grounded in God -- from her earliest days as a
PK -- a priest’s kid -- through long summers at Bement Center Camp,
even to her last days, praying with the Irish Jesuits on the web site
“Sacred Spaces.” She was a devoted mother – worrying about her
children, hoping she would be around long enough to watch them
mature into strong and independent adults.

She was a loving wife, who
adored her husband, and who appreciated every day of their life
together.

It is not fair to lose Jean--her wisdom, her gifts and her love--so
soon. And I think that God won’t mind if we stand here today alongside
Abraham and Job and Jonah and every Biblical character who has ever
called God to account. I think it is all right for us to rage at God and
say, “This is not fair!”

And the answer will come: yes, God knows that this is not fair.
God knows that this is not fair, because God has been here already.
God has suffered, as Jean suffered. God has wept, as we weep today.
There is comfort for us who mourn, comfort in the great mystery
that lies at the heart of the Christian faith … God became a person who
lived and loved and died, just as we do. God knows what Jean went
through. God knows what we are going through right now.

Christians proclaim that in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, God
learned what it means to be a mortal human being. In the person of
Jesus, God stood at the grave of his friend Lazarus, weeping with grief.
In the person of Jesus, God suffered unjustly and died too young. God,
in the person of Jesus, left behind a weeping mother, sorrowing siblings,
and distraught friends.

God knows – right in the core of God’s being – what “not fair”
looks like. And to realize this is to know that God never intended Jean
to suffer. Jean’s illness was not God’s will. God did not wave a magic
wand and give Jean cancer while sparing another person. God did not
withhold some miracle from Jean that another person received. God
did not take Jean away from us. Biology gone terribly, terribly wrong
took Jean away from us.
No, what God did was to walk with Jean through all of it. God
walked by Jean’s side in good times and in bad. God was there with her
when she met Watts, there when she got her Ph.D., there at the birth of
her children, there with her when she developed cancer. Every single
day, God walked with Jean and strengthened her to meet each new
challenge.

And I believe that compassionate, companioning God wept with
Jean when she wept, suffered when she suffered, laughed when she
laughed, and rejoiced in her rejoicing. As that compassionate,
companioning God does for us today.

But there is more to the mystery of our faith than simply believing
that God knows what we are going through, and that God walks with us
throughout our lives. The deeper mystery of our faith is that by living
and loving and dying like us, God transformed our humanity. When
Jesus Christ died and rose again, we discovered that death does not get
the last word. On days like this it is easy to think that life’s not fair, but
in the end, God gets the last laugh on “not fair.” God’s mercy, God’s
love, and God’s life are larger than our mortality.

And so, we believe that in death, life is changed, not ended. Jean’s
life goes on, hidden in Christ, but connected to us still. Her sickness is
healed; her pain is gone. Her tears are dried; her joy is made complete.
And we will share that with her someday. We will be reunited with her,
caught up in the greater, overflowing love of God that sustains us all.
This is what we Christians call the resurrected life. And it does
not begin when we die. It does not begin at some final judgment day.
Jean’s resurrected life began the day she took her first breath. Alive
with the spirit of Christ burning inside of her, Jean lived the reality of
resurrection every day -- in her prayer life, in her professional life, in
her family life. She lived it with every laugh, every joke, every tear,
every embrace. She lived it as she knitted socks. She lived it as she
cooked a meal. She lived it as she held her children.

Jean has always been resurrected. Jean is resurrected. Jean will
be resurrected. Christ has always held her life tenderly, lovingly, in the
palm of his hand. That life can never really end.
But the life she lived here on earth has ended. She no longer
walks among us, speaks to us, laughs with us. Not in her own
independent flesh, at any rate. But we too can share in her resurrection.
We can resurrect her in our lives, in our memories, in the way we go
about our work and our play.

To her students, I say … resurrect Jean. Resurrect her in your
curiosity and commitment to your studies.

To her colleagues, I say …
resurrect Jean. Resurrect her in your care and dedication and
passionate energy for the work that you and she did together.

To her
friends and extended family, I say … resurrect Jean. Resurrect her in
your ability to listen with an open heart, to laugh with a wide-open
smile.

To her children, to Liz and Charles, I say … resurrect your
mother. Resurrect her by becoming the people she raised you to be, the
people she believed you to be. She brought you into this world to be a
gift to the world. Be that gift. Be that continuation of everything that
was good and wise and strong in her.

And to Watts, I say … resurrect Jean. You knew her the best of
all, and you know best how to manifest her joy, her passion, her wisdom
in this world. Don’t get stuck in the past, but carry all of that
wonderful Jean Baker brilliance forward, into the future, into the rest
of what life has to show you.

It is a paradox, really. In the midst of death, we celebrate Jean’s
life. In the midst of our grief, we sing and laugh with joy at having
known her. In the midst of our darkness, we proclaim an unquenchable
light.

It is the mystery and paradox of the Christian life, the mystery
and paradox Jean lived every day, the mystery and paradox that will be
proclaimed at the end of this service when we make our final farewells,
with the great prayer of Commendation,
All of us go down to the dust, yet even at the grave, we make our
song.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Amen.

The Joy of Jean

2008-01-26T15:35:00.000-05:00

Dear Watts, Liz and Charles,

As I sit in Seattle with my Saturday morning cup of tea, my thoughts are with you as you gather together with your family and friends.

For a glorious year, twenty-six years ago, both Jean and my paths converged.

I was Jean’s roommate in Chicago when she met Watts – What joy!

I was in Chicago to spend a year at Erikson Institute, my lovely husband would stay in Seattle. At the age of 36 I had the opportunity to be a full time student for a year, with no other responsibilities other than to immerse myself in the world of academe! – What joy!

This was a dream come true - certainly something that I as an 11-year-old girl who had failed her 11+ exam in England could not possibly have imagined.

But I needed a place to live – the folks at Erikson kindly gave me Jean’s number. After introductions and confirmation that there was still a bedroom available at the Harper Avenue apartment, our conversation went something like this….

Me: So I like to drink wine

Jean: Me too!

Me: I smoke a little

Jean: Me too! (That was 26 years ago!)

Jean: I have a cat

Me: Me too! (Not really – actually we had a dog)

Jean: Well, I think we’ll get along just fine

Me: Me too!

The apartment was empty when I arrived, but later in the day the key turned and this burst of energy and light came through the door and gave me a huge hug – I knew we would get along just fine.

We had a few other things in common, we both liked to cook – I had brought my favorite chef’s knife with me and Jean had tons of cookbooks. Can’t remember what we ate, just remember hanging out in the kitchen sitting around a rather “ratty” looking Formica table having good laughs and conversation.

Oh and mustn’t forget Monty Python and Princess Di gossip.

All right on to the good stuff – when Jean met Watts.

To be honest, it’s a bit of a blur, actually more like a whirlwind!

I remember Jean coming home a couple of weeks after I had moved in and she couldn’t stop talking about this guy from Oklahoma who was a student at the Lutheran seminary. What I also remember is that ... “she couldn’t stop talking about him!!”

Things were pretty quiet around the apartment for the next month or so as I settled in to my new adventure and saw Jean briefly as she embarked on hers. Actually it was more like her flying through the apartment with occasional landings at the kitchen table. – What joy!

Then one evening Jean asked Watts home for dinner – well what can I say –I can tell you that the kitchen was pretty hot that night, Jean was completely “over the moon” and Watts was “totally enamored”.

You all have known them more years than I; but from the beginning there was really something wonderful, wacky and perfectly balanced about this pair. I also knew things were getting serious when Watts gave Jean a Cuisenarte for Christmas.

The year was full to overflowing with cognitive and emotional dissonance for both of us – What joy!

With all these ingredients how could the end result not be absolutely delicious? – A Marriage for Jean and a Masters for Me!

Our paths have crossed briefly since then mostly with Christmas cards and the occasional phone call but the essence of that year is truly well embedded in my heart and soul.

It was an absolute joy to have Jean in my life for a year.

All my love to you.

If you’re ever in Seattle give us a call, the kettle’s always on and there’s plenty of room around the kitchen table.

Love & Peace

Jennifer

Knitting with Jean

2008-01-23T21:07:00.000-05:00

Besides all these amazing professional and personal talents, Jean was a fine knitter. It was just last year that she joined us at All Saints' Prayer Shawl Knitters a few times. When Jean was present, the conversations were somehow deeper, more articulate, more alive! Jean shared her knowledge and joy in knitting socks for family feet and we enjoyed fingering her beautiful works in progress. That Watts gave us the gift of finishing a pair just knits you into us a little more. We are so grateful for the times we shared. Please know that when we meet in the coming months (maybe years) and sit in the chapel circle meditatively knitting in front of Meister Bertram's painting of " The Madonna Knitting Christ's Seamless Garment", we will remember you, Jean, and we'll also hold Charles, Liz, and Watts in our prayers.
Nancy Spates

A Memory to Share

2008-01-20T12:32:00.000-05:00

Although Jean's death was painful for all of us, it reminded me of a memory that I'd like to share. I knew of Jean, through her articles etc., before I actually met her. So I was a little intimidated when I first met her through our work with the state school psych. association. However, I quickly developed an affinity to match my respect when she flatly stated during one of our first conversations about an idea - "Matt, that dog don't hunt!" She was always positive, cheerful, and insightful. I very much enjoyed conversations about her children and advice from her about mine.

A few months after we met I attended one of the Trainers of School Psychology receptions at a national conference (NASP). I was a new assistant professor at a relatively small program, so when I walked into the room I did not know a single person. I awkwardly walked around and was ready to leave when Jean came bouncing up to me. It wasn't quite a run, but it was rapid movement that was clearly an emergency response. She smiled and said "Let me introduce you to some people," then wrapped her arm around mine while clasping my hand in hers. Remember, this was a woman that I had only fairly recently met and could count on one hand the number of times I had talked to her. I must have responded with some physical note of surprise because she stopped, smiled at me like the way you smile at a child who has done something wrong but was so ridiculous in their actions that you find more humor in the act then offense, patted my hand and said "Oh don't worry, I've had a few glasses of wine." She then took me around and introduced me to every person in the room.

I honestly don't remember a single person to which she introduced me that day, but I'll never forget that altruistic act of personal generosity. My heart absolutely breaks for her family, friends, and everyone that she touched, but I'm sincerely thankful that I knew her well enough to experience the pain that her loss brings.

Jean Baker: A School Psychology Leader

2008-01-19T13:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Family, Friends, and Colleagues of Jean:

Jean has had a great impact on school psychology, and she touched many of us, both professionally and personally. School psychology has benefited---and will continue to benefit--- from Jean’s tremendous work. Due to her influential research, scholarship, mentorship, and leadership in school psychology, in 2007 she was selected to be a member of the Society for the Study of School Psychology, one of the organizations that will deeply miss Jean.

We send our sympathies and join you in celebrating Jean’s life. We will greatly miss Jean and her scholarly contributions, professional expertise and dedication, and warm and competent leadership.

Patti Harrison
President, SSSP

Jean Ann Baker 1958 * 2008

2008-01-16T14:46:00.000-05:00

Jean Ann Baker, Ph.D.

Jean Ann Baker left this world peacefully on January 10, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jean was born February 18, 1958, in Northampton, Mass., to The Rev Jack M. and Frances Arnold Baker. She was a highly successful lifelong learner, attending Northfield Mount Hermon School, Barnard College (Columbia University), The University of Chicago, and The University of Wisconsin–Madison for her PhD in Educational Psychology in 1992. Her scholarly career included positions at The University of Georgia and The Michigan State University. She will be deeply missed by the organizations in which she served as a leader, as well as by the students and colleagues who valued and loved her.

As illustrious as her professional life was, Jean valued most her family and friends. She leaves her loving husband Watts Rozell, and her children Elizabeth and Charles, all of Okemos, Mich., and her sister, Trudy Dintzner.

Jean’s life was filled with good food, good wine, travel, the arts, the outdoors, her cats and dogs, laughter, music, books, heartfelt conversation, and adventurous living. She had especially fond memories of Bement Center Camp in Charlton, Mass.

A memorial service will be held on January 26^th , at 11:00, at All Saints Episcopal Church in East Lansing, officiated by The Rev. Kit Carlson. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Elizabeth and Charles Baker-Rozell College Fund, MSUFCU 600 E Crescent Rd East Lansing, MI 48823.

A Beautiful person inside and out.

2008-01-15T07:53:00.000-05:00

Although my time with Jean was short, I liked her very much from the start. I met her for the first time at her sisters Wedding . I found her warm , friendly and very funny. I enjoyed her company so much. She was a great story teller and it was fun to hear the stories of her and all her cousins back at the Camp in Maine.

Watts had been keeping me up-dated via email. Unfortunately I do not check my email very often and was very sadden to learn of her passing. Thank you Watts you are kind to include me.

I feel very lucky to have met her and was able to spend time with her and her family . They are wonderful people and I will remember her and that time in my heart always. She was a great lady that had it all, and she will be dearly missed.

Prayers and Sympathy to you and your Family.
Kellie

Recipient

2008-01-14T13:21:00.000-05:00

We had been asked, as practicing school psychologists, to say a few words about our profession to an audience of persons considering applying to the school psychology program. It was easy to be enthusiastic about such a fine topic. When the room emptied out at the end, I found Jean sitting alone at the back, processing papers related to the session. I was aware of her diagnosis, and her return to work. I desperately wanted to say something supportive, but the words left me. I finally asked her if I could give her a hug. With a giggle, she said yes. It was a just a brief hug, but one I will never forget. I wished I could transmit every bit of good fortune to her; perhaps she felt that energy. But the reassurance in her hug to me made me realize that she had arranged it that I was the greater recipient.
Jim Somers

Thank you Jean.

2008-01-13T15:04:00.000-05:00

Jean meant a great deal to me and truly touched my life in profoundly
positive ways. She graciously welcomed me as an undergraduate into
her research team and made an extraordinary effort to include me in
and introduce me to the experience of being a graduate student in the
School Psychology program, including inviting both my boyfriend and
myself into her home for a School Ecology dinner. I looked forward
to meetings with Jean as she always approached our research findings
and progress with very genuine enthusiasm and interest. I cannot
imagine MSU’s School Psychology program without Jean but am reassured
that the program she helped to build will forever carry her incredible
marks of kindness, compassion and dedication to obtaining and
furthering knowledge. As I prepare to begin my graduate studies I will
undoubtedly benefit from everything I have learned both directly and
indirectly from Jean. I hope to continue to do work that Jean would
be proud of and I hope to mature both professionally and personally
into an individual of whom Jean would be proud.

Swapping Kid Stories

2008-01-12T09:34:00.000-05:00

Jean's office used to be across the hall from mine. Our kids used to go to the Athens Montessori School and our sons were young when Jean lived here in GA. Just about every day Jean and I would swap some fantastically whimsical and utterly hilarious insight that one of our sons had conjured up. She and I would laugh until we were practically rolling around the floor over something one of them had said or did. I sometimes couldn't wait to share these stories with Jean. I would squirrel them away until the next time I saw her. She was a GREAT appreciator of such stories and a keen observer of children. After she left, I really missed having someone to swap my kid stories with. She always got the mirth in them. Best wishes to her family during this difficult time.

2008-01-11T21:36:00.002-05:00

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

2008-01-11T19:36:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-11T16:04:00.000-05:00

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"

2008-01-11T08:08:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-11T06:36:00.000-05:00

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

PHOTO OF JEAN AND BUTCH

2008-01-10T19:27:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share this wonderful photo of Jean and Butch. This was taken at mother's 80th birthday party just a year ago.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Love you always
Ann & Randy

I PRAY FOR PEACE BE WITH HER

2008-01-10T15:51:00.000-05:00

I HAD NEVER HEARD THE WORD BLOG BEFORE I GOT THIS INVITE FROM WATTS ...TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET ON TO IT ,IT WOULD NOT ACCEPT MY PASSWORD.!!!..SINCE THEN I HAVE HEARD THE WORD SEVERAL TIME ON TV..AFTER A PHONE CALL LAST NITE FROM WATTS,HE SAID SEND ME THE LETTER AND HE WOULD PUT IT IN SO HERE GOES !!!! `

AS MOST OF YOU KNOW JEANS MOM WAS MY OLDEST SISTER FRANCES.. WE STAYED CLOSE OVER THE YEARS .SO WAS ALWAYS IN TOUCH WITH TRUDY AND JEAN ..EVEN AFTER FRAN PASSED AWAY NOV.10,2005 ,AFTER HEART SURGERY.. YEARS AGO AFTER I MOVED FROM BANGOR ,ME TO NEW HAMPSHIRE..THEY ALWAYS STOPPED TO VISIT ON WAY TO GRAMMY AND GRAMPIES CAMP IN MAINE ..MOST OF TIMES IN THE SUMMER THEY WOULD TAKE MY NOREEN WITH THEM TO PLAY WITH THE GIRLS ..WHEN I READ NOREENS BLOG ,WAS A BIT SURPRISED TO READ THE GIRLS WOULD JUMP OFF THE ROW BOAT NAKED !!! GOD FORBID !!! NO HARM DONE I GUESS...THEY ALWAYS ENJOYED BEING TOGETHER..ONE SUMMER WHEN THEY LIVED IN ATHOL MASS.NOREEN SPENT A MO. WITH THEM..SO WE SAW THEM ALOT OVER THE YEARS..WE ATTENDED BOTH OF THE GIRLS WEDDINGS IN WORCESTER ..MASS. WHEN JEAN MOVED TO ATHENS GA. VISTED HER FAMILY MANY TIMES WHEN I VISITED MY DAUGHTER DEBBIE WHO LIVED IN GA. JEAN AND WATTS ALWAYS WELCOMED US WITH OPEN ARMS .. THEY WERE HOST AND HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS.!!! AFTER JEAN ACCEPTED HER GREAT JOB IN MICHIGAN .FRAN AND JACK MOVED TO FL TO BE NEAR TRUDY AND WARM CLIMATE ..JEAN AND FAMILY VISITED MANY TIME AT HOLIDAYS ,AND THEY ALWAYS INVITED ME TO BE WITH THEM ..SO I GOT TO SEE THEM ALL QUITE OFTEN .I LIVE IN FL IN THE WINTER MONTHS . WHEN TRUDY MADE PLANS TO GET MARRIED ,JEAN WAS SUCH A BIG HELP TO HER .. THE DAY OF THE WEDDING JEAN WAS SO BEAUTIFUL WALKING DOWN THE ISLE IN HER LOVELY LAVENDER LONG GOWN.. AS TRUDY FOLLOWED IN A BEAUTIFUL PINK GOWN .THE WEDDING WAS SO LOVELY..AFTER THE BRIDE AND GROOM LEFT THE RECEPTION .. JEAN AND WATTS TOOK OVER ,AND ALSO PLANNED A SUNDAY BRUNCH,FOR ALL THE COUSINS ,MY NEICES AND NEPHEWS .SOME THAT HADNT SEEN EACH OTHER IN YEARS !!! OF COURSE I WAS THE ONLY AUNT ,AND WAS SO PROUD OF IT !!! TRUDY AND DREW HAD ME FOR THANKSGIVING THIS YEAR ALSO.. WE WERE VERY SAD THAT JEAN AND FAMILY COULD NOT BE WITH US .. I PRAY FOR PEACE BE WITH HER .. FRAN AND JACK WILL BE WAITING WITH OPEN ARMS SOME DAY.AND WILL ALL HAVE COCKTAIL HOUR IN HEAVEN TOGETHER !!! GOD BLESS HER GREAT FAMILY!!!! LOTS OF LOVE AUNT HELEN

Thanks for the Inspiration.

2008-01-10T02:31:00.000-05:00

What can I say about the woman who first inspired me to join the field of school psychology? When I entered your office, a lost junior undergrad soul trying to figure out what the heck to do with my life, I had no idea what I was in for. The way you talked about your profession would probably have made a millionaire who spends his days teaching orphans to surf in Hawaii and rescuing puppies want to change career paths! This wasn’t unlike any other day and I know your it wasn’t just an act trying to get new recruits J. I admire your passion for work and for life and your never-changing positive disposition. You always seemed to have achieved that perfect balance so many of us struggle with while juggling the demands of a profession, a strong family life, and deep friendships, all the while never forgetting to have fun. In my first year having a real job, I can appreciate that more than ever. We could sure use a few more of you around to remind us of what’s important when day-to-day mundane details tip that balance over too far. Although I’ll always wish I had had more time to learn from you (maybe the PhD. program would have been a good option for me after all), I am thankful for the professional skills you taught me but more importantly, for those life lessons you may not have realize you imparted; they really stuck.

Love,
Caroline

At the Botanical Garden

2008-01-10T01:18:00.001-05:00

In the summer of 2006, Watts and Jean visited us in Georgia, and we all made a day of it at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. We were strolling through the outdoor exhibits when the sight of another visitor stopped us in our tracks: it was a vision of Jean, years (or decades) in the future, a smiling, aged face framed by Jean's trademark frizzy curls, only this time, they were white. Jean and the older woman stopped to chat and laugh, each recognizing her similarity in the other. Who knows? They might have been related -- they both had ancestors from Scotland. It was a special moment.

Later, Jean posed for Watts inside the mirrored interior of a sculpture on the grounds.

We finished up with an afternoon breakfast at the Flying Biscuit.

Jean pronounced it a lovely day. And it was.

--Terry and Sylvia Goggin

You bring added depth to the meaning of "colleague"

2008-01-10T00:41:00.000-05:00

Dear Jean,

A love the word "colleague." Whenever I say it, I am reminded that as
faculty members we have the opportunity to not only work with our fellow
faculty members, but learn from them, support them, feel supported, and work
together toward common goals. For me the term "colleague" brings to mind
respect, commitment, and common purpose. Jean, I think of all these aspects
of "colleague" --and more--when I think of you. You bring added depth to the
meaning of "colleague"--someone with such deep interest and concern for
others, your wonderful humility, your enthusiasm for innovation and
creativity in your teaching, the example you set of how being a professor
means setting an example and making contributions that affect in the deepest
way the lives of others.

Running into you on the fourth floor hall of Erickson is always such a
treat, involving a lovely little chat, usually comparing notes about our
children. Your laughter, kindness, and vitality always make the day sparkle!
I also appreciate the way your commitment to your students and your
profession is woven so seamlessly into your daily life.

It is my privilege to know you as a very special and valued colleague and
friend. Whenever I say the word "colleague", you will be in my thoughts.

with gratitude and fondness,
Ann

Ya'll come on in and sit back and relax

2008-01-09T22:56:00.000-05:00

My friend Jean is one of the most precious gifts that my husband Terry ever gave me. Terry's close relationship with Watts, while they were students at OSU, was the catalyst that brought us all together after marriage -- and what a wonderful relationship it is.

I have three great memories for Cooking with Jean.

1) When Watts and Jean still lived in Athens, they invited our family to a birthday party for their dog Brownie. Of course we brought our dog Yoshi, who was the older gentleman of the doggie set. All afternoon when the young pups would start rough-housing, Yoshi would get right in the middle of the activity and start barking. His barking sent the younger dogs off to opposing corners of the yard where they stood for several minutes with their heads cocked quizzically as if wondering why they had been banished. After several minutes the games would begin again. This activity filled the afternoon until Jean brought out the doggie cake, which happened to be a couple of pounds of dog food that she had artfully molded in a bone shape. Thankfully there was wonderful people food too.

2) When Watts and Jean left Athens for Michigan, they made a stop at our house for a couple of days before heading north. I remember how very tired they were when they arrived in Atlanta about 10:00 in the evening. As they came through the door, I think we gave them a drink and set them down to lemon pasta, salad and warm bread. It was the beginning of a wonderful weekend of fun, laughs and relaxing recovery. We spent most of the weekend lounging in our pajamas and shorts, reading, drinking, and eating, as Jean and Watts worked up the energy to hit the road to Michigan.
That was also the weekend we discovered that our younger son had drunk our liquor and refilled the bottles with water, all because Watts' gin and tonic had no punch, just a little tonic and lime flavor.

3) This past summer Terry and I visited Watts and Jean for 4-5 days of the loveliest vacation we have had in a long time. Watts had planned a Tom Sawyer adventure for Terry in cleaning and whitewashing the fence. While they worked outside, I enjoyed having Jean's big kitchen to cook in. I made loads of chicken peanut stew, and beef stroganoff to put in the freezer. I think the Rozells are probably still trying to empty the freezer of my over-zealous cooking spree.

Throughout these simple little adventures with Watts and Jean, the most wonderful and enduring bond is the relaxed friendship that we share. Jean has always embodied such peacefulness, even in the middle of illness, chaos, and moving. We have spent hours laughing over the similarities in our husbands, whom I have lovingly dubbed the Oklahoma Clones. We have giggled and fretted over our children and the choices they make in their lives. Jean with her wealth of knowledge always has the right perspective on the situation and is always correct in the outcome. My life has been truly blessed to have such great friends to love and to share with as we go through all the mountains and valleys that stand in the paths we walk.

Keep joyfully walking, my friends,
Love---Sylvia

Your aura will prevail!

2008-01-09T22:44:00.000-05:00

Jean,

It has been my incredible good fortune to count you as a mentor, colleague and most important of all, a friend. Your indomitable spirit and zest for living, not to mention your gifts for sharing your love of learning and of people, have inspired me to heights that would hardly have been attainable were you not there to energize, encourage and enlighten me. I am a better school psychologist and teacher, and a much better person for knowing you. Like so many others who you have positively influenced, I will remain eternally grateful for what you have so lovingly and selflessly given to us. You have elevated us by your presence, grace and humanity. You are a hero to many and your life will serve as an enduring model to all who have been blessed, as am I, to have shared your precious time.

May you and your family know constant love and peace, and may the warm and brilliant light that you have brought to this sometimes crazy and inexplicable world continue to illuminate our lives and shine through us.

With deepest admiration, affection and gratitude,

Ian LeVine