Jean Elaine Farwell

Farwell, Jean Elaine SUN PRAIRIE - Jean Elaine Farwell, age 68, died peacefully at home after a courageous fight with the complications of uterine cancer and went to be with Jesus on Sunday, May 11, 2014. She was born on Jan. 23, 1946, to Coyt and Catherine (Carpenter) Farwell of Cottage Grove. She graduated from East High School in 1964. Jean will be dearly missed by her devoted husband, Sam Dissell, originally from Aurora, Illinois. They were married in Sun Prairie on May 20, 2012, and were drawn together by their love of music, with both playing the organ and saxophone. They enjoyed travels to Branson, Mo., Las Vegas, Canada, California and a cruise to the Caribbean. One of Jean’s greatest accomplishments was to become an author. Jean published her memoir “The Garnet Ring, From Honeymooner to Caretaker with Love” about her life as the caretaker of her second husband, Jacques Bouthillier. Jean and Jacques resided near Montreal, Canada until his death in 2010. Her love of life was demonstrated by her many creative projects despite the challenges of her declining health. Jean completed her 15th year as editor of the Farwell Times family newspaper. She also produced a cookbook of family recipes and a storybook called Maytag Butter, about her life on the farm as a young girl, to leave as a legacy. Jean is survived by her three sons and two daughters-in-law, Dennis (Peggy) Bjugstad of Columbus, Mike Bjugstad of Sun Prairie and Keith (Yvette) Bjugstad of Cottage Grove; and her four grandchildren, Diego, Mario, Yelena and Elianna Bjugstad, children of Keith and Yvette with whom she has passed on her love of music by spending precious moments teaching them to play the organ. Jean also leaves behind her siblings, Virginia Farwell Zwickey of Madison, Bernice (Darold) Murray, Duane (Camilla) Farwell, Allen (Sharon) Farwell, Donald (Barb) Farwell and Dale (Kathy) Farwell all of Cottage Grove; she is also survived by the father of her three sons, Duane Bjugstad of Ft. Atkinson. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister Betty Jacob. She will be deeply missed by her extended family and friends in Wisconsin, Canada and elsewhere. A Memorial Service will be held at LAKE EDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4200 Buckeye Rd., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2014, with the Rev. Lex Liberatore officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses and caregivers at Agrace HospiceCare. Jean cherished the good wishes and affection of the family and friends who shared her journey through life, including the struggles through the publication of her memoir and the many challenges to her health. Go in peace, dear Jean. You will always be with us in our hearts. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420