Harriet Jean Nadeau
May 16, 1934 - December 3, 2008
Obituary
H. Jean Nadeau, age 74 died peacefully on December 3rd, 2008 in Burien with her family by her side.
Jean is survived by her sons, Terry and wife Ruth, Timothy and wife Jan and Tracy and wife Regina Nadeau; daughter, Debra and husband Stuart Mathews; eight grandchildren, Stuart, Russell, Sean, Caitlyn, Cole, Griffin, Alec and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Eric and Ryan; sister, Karon Mazie; brother, Packey Howatt and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandson Austin. She is also survived by her best friend of 60 years, Dort Matthes.
Mom grew up in Naches Washington. She excelled in her studies, and graduated with honors. She was a gifted pianist for her school and church. Upon graduating from high school, she married Robert Nadeau, and moved from her beloved Central Washington to the Seattle area. They started their family in the Burien, and eventually moved to West Seattle. She raised her four children in the Fauntleroy community and participated in all their activities from cub scouts, room parent, bluebird parent, and soccer mom.
Mom worked in a variety of jobs. Phone Operator, Recess Duty, Secretary, Office Manager, and retired from the University of Washington in 1999. She loved to travel not only the back roads in Washington, but also beyond. She cruised through the Panama Canal, cheered at the Kentucky Derby, watched sunsets in Hawaii, saw her grandson get married in Alaska, and adventured alone to Mexico. She loved making the mountain loop from Seattle through the Ellensburg canyon to Yakima, over Chinook pass, and back home. It was her last request, that we her four children make this trip one more time in memory of her.
Mom was passionate about education, reading, cooking, and knitting. She created a family cookbook from recipes she had gathered for 50+ years from friends and family to share with her children, and upon their marriages, her grandchildren. In her final years, she remained active and involved in many activities including exercises classes, writing class, senior college and Bible Study at John Knox Presbyterian Church.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, December 13th at 11:00 am at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 109 SW Normandy Rd., Normandy Park, WA 98166. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Children’s Hospital, in Seattle.
Terry, Tim, Tracy & Debbie,
Your mother was “a mother to all!” I remember watching you all grow up across from Mike & Mark DeFaccio. I can’t tell you how many times I stood in Jean’s kitchen watching her bake something for you kids. She loved each and everyone of you so dearly. She was so proud of you and her grandchildren. She was always praying for all of you.
When I would come home to visit my family we would chat on the phone, or had lunch together. She would always catch me up on each one of you and your children. She’d call me in Kansas with prayer requests for her kids. You were so blessed to have her for your mother.
She had a sweet spirit, compassionate heart that loved her Lord and her family.
Please email me back the address for Children’s Hospital. We would be honored to make a donation in her memory.
With hugs & prayers,
Diane #2 DeFaccio Hoeschele
Jean was a childhood friend and we kept in touch as possible. She was a terrific lady and an inspiration to all with her many special gifts.
Tim,
I have not known you very long but I know how proud your Mother must have been of you. She raised a caring individual and I am sure it came directly from her. We are sorry for your loss as Marcia and I have both recently lost our Mothers. We are constantly thinking about all the memories which brings a quite smile to our faces. Think good thoughts and remember all he good times
Kent and Marcia Martin
Jean took me on her mountain loop, what a treat to be with a knowledgable person and a great driver, one of the many kindnesses and helpful things I remember from our time together at Harborview Medical Center.
Ms. Nadeau,
You were a very kind mother and friend to your daugher Debbie Matthews. She talked about you often. Debbie is my “oldest” friend. I met her my freshman year in high school and we have been close friends since 28 years. Your passing saddens me. Life is very short and you were wonderful during your time with us. I will drive one more loop around the Cascades in your honor. God Bless and God Speed.
Love,
Ian & Jean Rollo
Debi, Stuart and all you family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We have great memories of Jean at our family events. She was always cheerful, fun and a joy to be around. We will miss her!
The Miskell Family
I met Jean in our memoir writing class. Her writing and her overall presence in our group meant so much. I was especially privileged to take Jean to class when she could no longer drive and in doing so learned a great deal about her love and admiration for her family. Grandkids, you have a terrific grandmother, as I am sure you know. I am sure she is keeping you in her loving embrace even now. Blessings on you all.
Terry,Tim,Tracy,Debbie & families,
So sorry for your loss.
Your Mom was such a nice lady.
She always had time to talk to us
neighbor kids and make us feel like one of the family.
I have alot of fond memories
of time spent at your house
over the years. Your Mom was the best! I think we will all see
those who have have passed before
us when our time comes. Until then
hold onto all the great memories.
My thoughts are with you at this
difficult time.
Take care, Greg Ring
I met Jean in the Writing Class at SeaTac Senior Center. She greeted me with a big smile the first time I saw her. She was always so happy, even in times of pain. I saw her for the last time at the Fred Meyer in Midway while she was waiting for her ride. She greeted me with the big smile and wished me a happy day. My prayers go out to Jean’s family. May she continue to smile in Heaven.
Was sorry to hear of Jeans passing. I attended school in Naches with her and her sister Karon. My sister and Jean were childhood friends. I send my sincere condolences to all of her family. Penny Adams
Tracy and Regina,
Mom’s really do touch our lives for eternity. Our love and thoughts are with you and your entire family.
Adean & John Vitale
Debbie,
I heard about your mom this weekend. I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a very kind and wonderful person. I can not count the number of times she shuttled the two of us to or from sporting events. She always made everything we did fun!Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
Nikki WengerLloyd
We are so thankful to have known Jean. She became my friend when I became a Matthes 17 years ago, and I grew to love her as family. A treasure has left us on earth, but she has gone on to collect her heavenly reward. Thank you Jean, farewell true & trusted friend.
Pat Matthes
I’m so sorry for your loss. I met Jean this year in our Bible Study class. It was a treasure to know her! What a kind soul. May you find comfort in the Lord.
Debbie and Stuart, I saw your mom’s memorial in the paper and wanted to send my condolences. I don’t know if I ever met your mom in high school but I probably did at the gas station. She sounds like she is a wonderful person to know. I hope you can take a trip some time in memory of her.
May Jesus comfort you and bring you peace.
I will ask my mom to give you a hug for me next time you meet.
To My Bestest Friend……….Jean
We had lots of good times together over the years, lots of giggles, laughs and friendship.
Kids, Remember the good times you all had together.
Rest in peace My Friend…..
Love ya
Dort
May each of you be given the ability to accept this tremendous loss of a great, kind and sweet, human being. Please know that she was really a SPECIAL person. What an honor to know her. God Bless.
Stella Oja
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I’m very sorry for the lost of your mother. I only met Jean a couple of times when I went to Yakima to visit with Karon. I’ll keep you in our prayers.
I got to know Jean at a couple of Peckinpaugh family reunions, and was so sorry to hear of her passing, my thoughts go out to all her family. Bev Winbolt