Jean Jackson Wakefield passed away on Feb. 15, 2016 from complications of Alzheimer’s. She was 81.

Jean was born in Kalispell, Montana on Feb. 26, 1934 to Kenneth and Elizabeth Jackson. She grew up on a ranch west of Kalispell.

Jean was the only pupil to attend the one room Pleasant Valley School for eight years during the ’40s. She graduated from Flathead High School in Kalispell in 1952. Four years later she graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in Education. Jean taught one year in Lewistown, Montana and four more years in elementaries in Missoula.

Jean married smokejumper Sam Wakefield in 1960. Jean was a stay-at-home mom with one son. Sam’s federal government work prompted family moves to Portland, Denver and Seattle. The family moved to Bainbridge in 1976. Twenty years later Jean and Sam moved to the Poulsbo area. Jean and Sam spent their retirement traveling and spending time at their cabin in Montana. Jean belonged to various groups on Bainbridge – including the American Association of University Women, Welcome Wagon, and a gourmet cooking group.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Sam. She is survived by her son Stuart.

A celebration of life memorial service is in planning for this summer in Kalispell. The date and time is to be determined.