Jean M Sherman
May 22, 1943 - December 20, 2025
Obituary
Jean's Livestream Service will begin at 12 noon CT on Saturday, January 10, 2026.. To watch it, scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”
MADISON - Jean Miriam (Brownlow) Sherman was born in Wild Rose, Wis., on May 22, 1943. Welcoming her home were her mother, Margaret, father, Carl, and big sister, Mary. Brothers Chuck and Jim joined the family in the coming years. Jean graduated from Wild Rose High School in 1961 and the Wisconsin State University-Stevens Point in 1965 as one the of the first graduates of the College of Fine Arts. She was an equal and loving partner in her marriage to Brad Sherman for 56 years, mother to Paul, Amy, and Eric, and grandmother to Jonathan, Pearl, and Indigo.
Jean was a soul engaged fully with the world through her senses. Every flower merited a careful examination of its structure, color, and scent. Birds and their songs thrilled her. Flavors frequently sent her into a reverie. She loved the sound of the human voice in song, particularly the church choirs she participated in for nearly her entire life. Touch, whether it be her garden’s soil, pie dough, or the silk of a milkweed was energizing. Floating in her beloved Stratton Lake, warmed by the sun above and supported by the gentle coolness of the water below, Jean would be the picture of absolute peace and contentment.
“I dream of Jeanie with the light brown hair,
Borne like a vapor, on the summer air:
I see her tripping where the bright streams play,
Happy as the daisies that dance on her way.
Many were the wild notes her merry voice would pour,
Many were the blithe birds that warbled them o’er:
Oh! I dream of Jeanie with the light brown hair,
Floating, like a vapor on the soft summer air.”
--Stephen Foster
Jean passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025. A memorial service will be held at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 203 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 12 noon on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit Jean’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the service and click on "Watch Now" in the Webcast section.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wisconsin Public Radio or the Ice Age Trail Alliance (iceagetrail.org/tribute/). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761