- Jean Donnelly
Jean Donnelly was born Alice Jean Wilson in Oxford, MS to Lillian and Grover Wilson, a farming family. The family moved to Sikeston, MO where Jean attended grade school. Jean then went to live with her aunt, Mrs. Prentice Arnold of Memphis TN, where she graduated from Nicholas Blackwell High School in 1947. She was a member of the school band, choral group and a cheerleader. In 1947, while acting as a hostess at a YMCA dance, she met a young sailor from NY, who was attending school at the Naval Training Center.
John Joseph (Jack) and Jean were married in the Navy chapel on July 2, 1948. As a Navy wife, she served her community many years as a Gray Lady and later participated in the Friend-to-Friend program at nursing homes and volunteered with the Arthritis Foundation.
After Jack retired from the Navy, the family made their permanent home in Kirkland, WA. Jean is survived by her husband, Jack, of 64 years and her children: Michael (Donna), Cathie (Murphy), Marian (Philip), Jean (Skip) and Margaret (Dave); as well as nine grandchildren: Nicole (Preben), Sean (Morgan), Ian, Mairead, Michael, Luke, Peter, Corianna and Colin. Jean was a beloved wife and precious mother. If love alone could have kept her here, she would be with us still. Funeral Mass at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Redmond, 10am, June 19th. Reception to follow. Remembrances may be made to the Arthritis Foundation in her name.