Jean would be very pleased to know we came to her funeral—
and probably already checking who traveled the farthest   and whether they found a good place to eat along the way.

Jean and I were eight months apart in age, which meant 
we are the same generation.

We’ve been close for over 50 years, and somehow, even though we lived far apart,   we just kept getting closer.      Distance never stood a chance with Jean.

Jean and Steve lived in California for a while, and that’s when my husband Tom and I. had the honor of standing in as proxies for Sean’s godparents, who were in Minnesota.

I lived in California, and before any trip, across the US, Canada and even Ireland
I’d call Jean.

She didn’t just know places to visit—she knew the best and out of the way places.

Jean and Steve were wonderful travelers, especially across the Midwest and East Coast,  and they knew exactly where to go—What to do--and where to eat—along the way.

To name a few places I wouldn’t have known about: The biggest ball of twine in Darwin, MN
The Runestone Museum in Alexandria.        Rushford for lefsa.
The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, Iowa.
The Nelson Creamery in Wisconsin for cheese and ice cream—
Four Daughters Winery for lunch—one of her favorites, and, I do have four daughters.

Jean and I were both sewers and quilters,      which meant a lot of quilt runs—
gallivanting all over Minnesota from one quilt shop to the next.

Every day was a new adventure.         Every shop was unique and fun
Steve was often our very patient chauffeur,   waiting while we found just one more fabric that I couldn’t possibly live without.

Jean was my connection to our mom’s Minnesota family. Her dad, Uncle Ben, was my mom’s big brother,    and through Jean,  that connection stayed strong.

My sister Cindy,    my brother Butch,  and I are known as the California cousins
who were born in Minnesota.             And Jean loved us. Plain and simple.

Three of my granddaughters     attended the University of Mary in North Dakota,
and whenever I drove to visit them,    I drove to see Jean.          It was just part of the trip—

She was always present in my life,      even though we lived far apart.

Even after they moved back to Minnesota,
Jean and Steve visited California several times—
to come to Brittany’s wedding, for their 50^th wedding anniversary,
to Disneyland for a Square Dance Convention,
for wine tasting, and just touring around in their purple PT Cruiser

When my daughter Amy died in Tennessee,           Jean and Steve didn’t hesitate.       They drove all the way to Memphis just to be with me.

They had even visited Amy years before,      and Amy felt so honored by that.

Jean was an avid Weather Channel watcher, which is probably a Minnesota requirement. In California, we don’t have much weather—we have earthquakes and fires. Jean would always call when something was happening in California, sometimes to check on us, and sometimes to tell me about it.

We played endless card games. And we spent hours in her sewing room—
sharing patterns,  projects,  ideas,       and sewing together – we never ran out of things to talk about.

Whenever we were together,     we laughed  until our sides ached.

That kind of laughter—the kind that sneaks up on you and won’t let go—
is one of Jean’s greatest gifts to me.

I will miss her deeply.

But every time I see a quilt shop, or a roadside attraction that makes no sense,  have a Snickers candy bar, blueberry pancakes or laugh so hard it hurts,  I’ll know she’s right there with me,  

Thank you, Jean,   for being my cousin,       my friend,    my connection,      and my joy. I love you.

My deepest sympathies to the Sullivan family. I got to know Jean back in the day when we took quilting/ sewing classes together. In the past years, whenever I would run into Jean, we would discuss, of course sewing and quilting! She was a lovely and talented lady. May she now find rest and comfort in the arms of our loving God. 

 I'm  so sorry for your loss. The first thing I think about her is her smile and laughter. She was a  good person.

Sorry for your loss.  She was a good person and fun to be around.

So sweet 😋 I am so sorry for your loss. It's so hard to lose our close ones,  our family. My prayers are with you and Melissa and all your family. 

Sean and family,

My deepest sympathy to your family.  I know your Mom will be greatly missed missed by all of you.    You are in my thoughts and prayers.