Jean Swan Obituary

Jean Alice Swan
Born: February 6, 1937 in Morrison, IL
Died: March 7, 2025 in Blue Eye, IL
Jean A. Swan of Blue Eye, Missouri passed away at her home on March 7, 2025. She was born on February 6, 1937 to Lloyd and Etta (Bielema) Oostenryk. Jean was the oldest of her siblings: Elmer (deceased), Janice (Bill) Gengenbach, and Alice (Forrest) Steele. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Shirley Gibbons, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, I.E. Shel, and a second husband, Clifton Swan.
Jean's education began at Lincoln School, a rural one-room school in Whiteside County, Illinois. She graduated from Morrison Community High School and then attended Northern Illinois University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. Her teaching career included schools in Indiana, Idaho, and Iowa. She was a member of several educational organizations, including the Clinton, Iowa Education Association where she had held the office of president.
She was a member of the Blue Eye United Methodist Church and had served on the staff-parish committee. She enjoyed quilting with the MO-ARK Hook and Thimble Club.
Traveling was a passion of Jean's. She traveled extensively in the western states and accomplished her goal of visiting all seven continents.
Jean was happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving when family and friends gathered at her home the evening before and enjoyed a meal and conversation. The next day everyone gathered at her sister's house for Thanksgiving dinner.
Her love of animals, especially dogs, was well known. She requested that any memorial donations be given to the Animal Humane Society or Dogs for the Deaf.