I can't believe she is gone! She was such a wonderful person. I always loved visiting with her and Fred throughout my life. I remember holidays at my Grandparent's or Uncle Jim and Aunt Ester's, the Bixel family picnics, and visits to their homes in Portland, Brookings, McMinnville, and the home in Portland. My sympathies to Uncle Fred, Rod, Tara, John, and all the grandkids. Love, Dani
So many great memories of both Jean & Fred. They were married 72 years ago, one month after I was born. Jean was always a bright light of energy and joy in our family! She was always honest and transparent which always made some of our other relatives nervous.Looking forward to celebrating her life with other family members and recounting the joy and laughter she always brought into every situation.
Jean was a woman with many gifts. As a child she learned quickly to keep up with her elders; being the youngest of seven siblings. She had a tenacity to lead her own path and was strong willed. She was also personable and inviting while chatting over pots of coffee and telling stories of her days as a telephone operator or as an artist alongside her husband in Brookings,Oregon. She was a loyal member of her close family and her husbands family, making sure to attend family functions and reunions. Jean would attend church in her Sunday best, which included her signature rose red lipstick, that would delight her granddaughters, for they looked at her like as celebrity. She was a beautiful woman who took pride in her appearance and her home. Jean enjoyed rainy days, with the kettle on, and a good puzzle or crafting with needlepoint or sewing doll clothes and bedspreads for her grandkids. She stirred with a vibrant air and made a lasting impression on those she met, whether it be in a seaside cafe or a tour in Greece. Jean and Fred enjoyed their travels and her many experiences which turned into colorful stories with often hilarious photos of random rooms and kitchenettes in sites around the world. In the many moments in her presence you could hear a most delightful sound when her laughter filled the air, her laugh was as innocent as a joyful baby. Jean we love you and your many gifts, we will remember and cherish the good and pray you remember us too, throwing you jeweled Brach’s candies in the back of VW Bus, you’re just on another adventure. May the lord bless and keep you.
Johanna