Eulogy for Aunt Jean

Hi. Yesterday was Aunt Jean's funeral and Floyd delivered the eulogy. I couldn't find a more fitting way to remember her on this blog than to post Floyd's words. Aunt Jean was a very special person and made everyone feel as if were the most important one to her. I will miss her greatly.

I consider this a privilege to deliver these word on behalf of Virginia “Jean” Kelly, a remarkable person by any standard. These words are not only mine but the words of family and friends, to express the many memories and thoughts of Jean. But more than that, these words express our love and sincere gratitude for everything that was Jean.
We all knew Jean in different ways and we all know Jean in the same ways. She was an excellent role model for young and old alike. Kelly said it the best - Aunt Jean was never just an aunt to me, she was always wise and compassionate in her role as mother, advisor, career cheerleader, friend, and overall mentor. Repeatedly I heard the words, “she taught me this“, or “we learned that.” She was always teaching because we were always learning. Many of you have know about Tuesdays with Morrie, well with Jean and her family it was Wednesdays with Jean. On Wednesdays she would have family go out to dinner and she would impart her life lessons.
One example of her values was about independence. When Jean was planning to attend Bob and Diane’s 50th wedding anniversary in Myrtle Beach she knew she didn’t want to have any help at the airport, so she began a personal training program with Marian Shea by walking at the mall. In addition, for many years Jean attended the spa twice weekly to stay fit. And when she could no longer drive Marian saw to it that Jean’s weekly routines continued. Whether it was going to the doctor, shopping, picking up flowers, or running errands- this was huge in allowing Jean to continue with her day -to-day independence. This was paramount in allowing Jean to live her life as she wished and maintain her independence as much as possible.
Her priorities in life were in the order of faith, family, education, and career. She did not just preach these moral imperatives, she taught them by every word, action, and deed. Jean attended church religiously, treated her family like they were the most important people on Earth, was well educated herself and personally helped finance the formal education of many, and was extremely successful with her personal career at Erickson and Lindstrom.
Family was everything to Jean. The importance of family was another one of her great lessons. She would say- all you have is family because family is everything. And Jean made all of us part of her family, whether born by blood, married into the family, her best friend, or the child of her best friend, she loved us all unconditionally.
She was overly generous of time and attention, always willing to lend and ear or what ever was needed. Jean was always ready to provide a helping hand with babysitting, doing the dishes, folding laundry, canning tomatoes, or picking up the house so when the parents got home all the work was done. She helped the family with their many activities in Eastern Star, even though she was not a member. Jean helped with Jackie’s political campaign. She was there for people whether needing company at the hospital or someone to hold your hand during a doctor visit. Her door was always open to those who needed a place to stay. She even provide medical care and attention in her home for Ma Berry, Kenny, and Becky. She was the Florence Nightengale of our time.
Jean taught us that age is just a number. It is how you feel inside and staying active both mentally and physically that matters. She was always in on the action and actually wanted to be at the “kids table.”
Jean was meticulous about details. Today was a planned event for years. We all know her wishes to be in the mausoleum. She even had her place moved higher up so she would be able to direct traffic from up high.
Other fond memories of Jean include hosting the many family gatherings with a big feast on the table and ice cold orange juice to drink. She was an excellent cook and loved to show the younger girls her cooking techniques. She always provided answers pertaining to proper etiquette. She loved to dine out and was always willing to try someplace new. She loved attending plays and especially dining at four-star restaurants after the show. She had a great love for books, reading, and movies. When asked what her favorite movie was she responded the next one you were going to take her to. She was always ready for a card game, especially pinochle. She was meticulous about her carpet. She would vacuum and rake the carpet several times a day to eliminate any footprint. And yet she and Ken took in a stray cat (Kitty Gregory) and made it a part of her family. She always had to have a green car. Jean stressed quality over quantity. Buy quality because if you by the best it will last. Fresh flowers adorned her home every week. She loved the beauty they brought to her life.
Jean was the kind of person who would want Jackie to know the important role you played in her life. She knew you before you were born and loved you like her own child every minute of her life.
Just as important were her brothers and sisters. Rena’s entire family were central figures
in Jeans life. She shared equally the joy and love Rena has for her children and grandchildren.
To Greg, Brad, Kim, Kelly, John, Pat, and Mary- you all spoke about the immense love you received from Jean. She would want you to know that your love for her was equally important. This is what truly brought quality to her long and wonderful life.
Jean is a legacy beyond any other. We all know Kelly feels extremely honored and proud to be named after Jean, so much so that she vowed as a young adult that if her life was blessed with a daughter she would honor her as well. And so Laura Jean can now carry such a wonderful legacy forward.
In summary, she was positively infectious, affecting the emotions and attitudes of everyone. Jean was everyone’s Guardian Angel and she still is.