Valedictorian of her high school class, she attended Business College in nearby Miami, Oklahoma where she met her husband Harry Joseph Hirsch II. They were married on February 26, 1938. When Harry got a job in Tulsa, the young couple moved there.
Jean was an exceptional homemaker. She birthed, fed, clothed, instructed and in all other ways raised thirteen children. They are Judith Ann, (David Schubert), Harry Joe III, (Marion Tolk), Vincent Bell, (Marguerite Gutierrez), Paul Gregory, (Jerre Wanstrath), Martha Jean, (Michael Goodwin), Mary Elizabeth, (Thomas Wielski), Kathleen Suzanne, (Mark Goldberg), Anita Louise, (Robert E. Schaffer), Roy Kevin, Margaret Theresa, (Kevin O’Neil), Thomas John, Rosemarie, (Keith Mathis), and Patricia Maureen. She raised her children to be unique, independent members of a team. In addition she is survived by 25 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jean always emphasized education in her household, a value inherited from her father who worked his way through medical school by attending every other year and supporting himself by teaching in the off years. Jean always read to her children when they were young and most of them remember the stories heard in early childhood. She told her children that she always wanted to be a teacher; they told her that she was a teacher, a wonderful teacher.
The family moved from Tulsa, OK to Houston, TX when Harry was transferred there in 1957. They became active members of St. Vincent de Paul Parish where the children entered parochial school. Jean continued her activities after the last of her children graduated from St. Vincent’s through volunteering in the school library, Queen of Angels Workshop, Young at Heart, and Share the Word. She developed her artistic skills during this time, painting portraits and items near and dear to her family. Her wonderful sewing skills that helped clothe her family also took new and creative directions. Harry and Jean were married for 60 years before his death in 1998.
In their retirement years, Jean and Harry made gifts and toys for their extensive family, continuing a strong tradition of recognizing and celebrating important events. In celebrating her life, her children endeavor to continue that tradition.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 6700 Ferris. The Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 6800 Buffalo Speedway. Rite of Committal will be held at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Catholic Charities or Houston Hospice.
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