Jean Carpenter

OREGON-Jean Marie Carpenter, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, October 07, 2015, with family by her side. She was born on March 28, 1926, in Blooming Grove, the daughter of Merle and Ina (Briggs) Waddell. Jean attended East High School in Madison and married Clarence "Carp" Carpenter on Aug. 6, 1949. She was a nurses' aide at Mendota Mental Health Institute for several years and she especially loved her 'full-time' job working on the Federal Census every ten years. Jean and Carp loved to travel. They visited six continents and took a three-month cruise around the world. Jean enjoyed, knitting, crocheting, puzzles of all kinds, board games, music and hosting family gatherings. She was a remarkable seamstress and could create anything imaginable. Jean is survived by six children, Patricia (Charles) Kmet, Terry Carpenter, Gail (Thomas Maerz) Carpenter, Kim Carpenter, Rick (Dana) Carpenter and Dana Carpenter; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarence, on Jan. 28, 2008; and a great-grandson, Dustin Tarkenton. A Celebration of Jean's Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, 2015. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens at a later date. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. to the time of service on Monday. The family wishes to thank all the staff that cared for mom, enjoyed her sense of humor and comforted the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420