Jean M. Hess
October 25, 1924 - August 18, 2017
Obituary
MIDDLETON-Jean M. Hess, age 92, passed away on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Attic Angels Health Center as a result of a fall. She was born on October 25, 1924, the daughter of Irving and Ruth MacElhose. Jean grew up in Schenectady, New York. She graduated in 1942 from Knot Terrace High School in Schenectady and Russell Sage College in Troy, New York in 1946 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and receiving her RN from the state of New York. Jean was employed by Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, New York in the pediatrics department and later as the head operating room nurse in the specialty surgery of Bells Clinic in Schenectady. Jean left nursing when the children arrived and devoted her life to home and family. She was an active volunteer for the VNA (Visiting Nurse Association) and Hospital auxiliary, where she ran the gift shop at Beloit Memorial Hospital for many years. She loved gardening and cooking and her children learned much of both of them from her. Six weeks after their first child Adrienne was born, her husband, George, was recalled to return to active duty for combat in the Korean War, so Jean was by herself with the new baby for two years. Jean was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian Church of Schenectady. Currently she was a member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison. Jean is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Joyner of San Mateo, Calif.; her husband of 70 years George Hess; her daughters, Adrienne (Gary) Liebergen of Overland Park, Kansas, Gretchen (John) Westhoven of Franklin, Tenn.; and her son, Brian Hess of Madison. The extended family includes five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Adam (Laura) Liebergen and their children Joseph, Camille, George and Cole; Justin Liebergen; Stephanie Liebergen; Garrett (Audra) Westhoven and their son Aris; and Erica (Matthew) DeAngelis and their son, Matthew John. Jean was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Martha Parks of Cleveland, Ohio. A Celebration of Life will be held at COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 326 S. Segoe Rd, Madison, at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, with Charles Berthoud presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jean’s name to the Salvation Army. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.Gunderson WestFuneral & Cremation Care7435 University Avenue(608)831-6761
Events
Visitation
Tue Aug 22, 2017 @ 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Covenant Presbyterian Church • 326 S. Segoe Road, Madison, WI null
Celebration of Life
Tue Aug 22, 2017 @ 2:00 PM CDT
Covenant Presbyterian Church • 326 S. Segoe Road, Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of Jean have been shared yet.
Memories
LS
Lila Jean Stahnke
Other •
To George and Family. My prayers for you are said with a lot of love and knowing Jean is in no more pain. Neighbors like you and Jean are so special. I will miss coming up the hill and talk to Jean and you. You were such a good husband and the picture is beautiful. I remember how she loved her flowers. George I am here for you and I will still walk up the hill and sit and talk with you. Hugggs Lila Jean
KM
Keith Mason
Other •
Dear George, Brian, Adrienne and Gretchen; I am so sorry for the loss of your dear wife and mom. I've been a beneficiary of the love and friendship of the Hess family for decades and will never forget all the great moments at your beautiful home on East Ridge Road. From the swim meets, to the baseball games that Jean and George took me to, and to lots of fun in between, I'm so grateful to have known Jean for so long. Thanks for always making me feel like a member of your great family. I'll truly miss Jean. Love and Peace from Keith, Liz, Talia and Noah.
JS
Jane Pressel Schultz
Other •
My heartfelt condolences to all the family. Jean was a wonderful person, wife, mother,
and friend! She will be remembered by all for her warmth and generosity. Jane Pressel Schultz
KS
Keith, Carol, & Emily (Davis) Saroyan
Other •
Our sympathy to the whole family, especially Uncle "Brud".
HM
Hank Wilson and Pete Moran
Other •
Jean was a very special lady whose hospitality we enjoyed many times throughout the years. She will be remembered fondly.
MC
Melissa Callahan
Other •
Uncle Brud, Adrienne, Gretchen, and Brian. We're so sorry to hear about Jean. I have fond childhood memories of her at your home and Grandma and Grandpa Hess's home. She was always smiling. Hope all the happy times bring you peace.
John and Melissa ( Lissie Stroyan ) Callahan