Jean Mallow Boyd

Jean Mallow Boyd passed away on June 8, 2011, after a lengthy illness, at the age of 87. She is survived by her loving daughter, Bonnie Jean Boyd-Orlando; niece, Carol Jean Wilson; nephew, Robert L. Mallow; nephew, Michael Mallow; niece, Connie Cody; nephew, Tommy Kennedy; nephew, Gordon Kennedy; son-in-law, Robert Orlando; sister-in-law, Genevieve P. Mallow; sister-in-law, Marilyn Mallow, as well as many friends in Corona del Mar, and throughout the United States. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon L. Boyd, her longtime friend Donald Huebner, and her brothers, Carl S. Mallow, Jr., and Charles Mallow. In the past several years, she was lovingly cared for by the wonderful staff at Crown Cove Retirement Community of Corona del Mar, and the devoted, generous heart and talents of her caregiver, Jackie Chenelia.

Jean was an artist with many talents. She painted her world with color, love and laughter. Being a resident of her beautiful Corona del Mar for 50 years, her warm and loving personality brought smiles to everyone she met. For over 40 years she was a travel counselor for the Automobile Club of Southern California, where she received several customer service awards and visited many exciting places. Through the years and after her retirement, she filled her days with acts of charity and volunteerism at Hoag Hospital, St. Andrews and St. James Churches, Oasis Senior Center, Neighborhood Watch, D.A.R.E. Programs, and the Newport Beach Police Department.

With pride, she cherished her truly fun and heartwarming holiday experiences with the Newport Beach Police Department. Because of her bubbly personality, love of children and remarkably striking resemblance to Mrs. Claus, Jean had the honor of accompanying Santa on his ride aboard the Newport Beach Police Department helicopter. For several years, Mrs. Claus and Santa’s whirlwind visits to 8 Orange County elementary schools each December gave her great joy. After taking off from the Orange County John Wayne Airport and landing at each school, she would help pass out hugs and candy canes, and listen with Santa to the youngsters' holiday wishes. The annual event promoted holiday spirit which helped strengthen the Police Department's ability to reach out to children and the community giving them feelings of safety and security. It is estimated that nearly 4,000 children were able to visit with

Mrs. Claus and Santa each year. Appearing on the local television stations as well as the front pages of the LA Times, the Orange County Register and The Daily Pilot newspapers, was a lifetime holiday gift for Jean.

A memorial service for Jean will be held at the Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Parish Church, 3233 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, CA 92625, on July 16, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Jean would be honored that donations be made in her memory to Project 999 Memorial Ride, P.O. Box 241, Santa Ana, CA 92702, (or on-line, www.999Ride.com, in support of fallen peace officers and their families in Orange County, California. An on-line registry book of remembrance is available at www.pacificviewcalifornia.com