Jean Priscilla Effler
March 8, 1922 – July 28, 2011
Jean passed away on Thursday July 28th after a courageous battle, she was 89. Her friends and family were there for a final farewell surrounding her with love and support.
Jean was born in upper state New York to Dale and Fern Whorrall. She had an older brother Delbert and a younger sister Shirley both preceded her in death. Jean married Russell Effler in 1939 and had their only son Michael three years later. World War II separated the family. Jean drove a fork lift to support the war effort and then moved with her son to her father’s dairy farm in Fabius, New York. Her son thrived on the farm and will always be thankful for that time.
Russ and Jean reunited and remarried each other some ten years later, moved for a short while to Florida before settling in Sacramento California. Jean never shied away from hard work. She owned several salons over the years, was a cosmetology instructor and went back to college to earn a business degree and was a well respected business manager.
Jean and Russ followed their grown son to live in Sausalito and later San Francisco. They enjoyed their time in the bay area. Once retired the two played golf and traveled. On one of their road trips their vehicle was struck by a cattle truck. Jean protected her husband from the intensity of crash, but as a result suffered from severe back injuries, surgeries and was in traction. She was known to put those she loved first even if it was to her own peril.
Jean’s next roll in life was as a care giver. The two moved to Florida to care for Jean’s aging father, but shortly after the move Russ was diagnosed with leukemia. She cared for her husband in her home until his death. The next year she nursed her father until he too died and when her sister in law needed help she did not hesitate to be by her side.
She moved to Bainbridge Island in 1999 to be closer to her son and his family. She lived at the Virginia Villa and loved to bake, garden and clean. Her son’s family and her friends benefited from her nurturing. When 9/11 occurred Jean was devastated. To lift her spirit she got a puppy and named her Glory – the two were inseparable. She took great pleasure in spoiling her baby.
She continued as caregiver for her son and daughter in-law; cleaning, baking, cat-sitting and working for their business until the end. These last two years were tough on her – she was so brave. Jean is survived by her son Michael Effler (Erin), grandson Mian Effler and Glory. Sign the online guest book at: www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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