Born Jean Ardith Hamilton in International Falls, Minnesota, Jean was a devoted Christian and put high value on family and friends. She taught people to love one another, give to the less fortunate and enjoy life.
Jean is preceded in death by her brothers: Dale, Jack and Robert; as well as her son Karl Vandermeer and her daughter Cheri Barrington; and grandsons Joel and DiAndre.
She is survived by her daughter Susan and her grandchildren: Rebecca, Felicia, Tasha, Anthony, Letitia, Jeffery, Bryan, Franklin, Daniel, Donald and Brandon as well as many great-grandchildren.
Jean was once a member of the Prison Education Group and was awarded certificates from the City of Seattle for her efforts helping inmates learn to read and write as well as counseling them.
Having created her own street ministry in the late 1980's Jean would go out at various hours of the day seeking out homeless people to talk to, feed, cloth, and cheer up. She would pray with them and share the bible with them. Many of them referred to her as the "meatloaf lady" because of the meatloaf sandwiches she would make in her own kitchen to bring to them. The homeless she fed were made to feel like people again knowing that she put the loving effort into preparing something for them.
One homeless gentleman named Doc once said she gave him hope and a new outlook on society. When he knew she was coming he would wait at the bus stop on Capitol Hill in Seattle for her then walk around with her to look out for her and help her spread the word of God. She gave Doc a purpose and a reason to live, just as she did for so very many others before him and after him.
Jean had a large extended family and was very loved by very many. She was the foundation that held her family together for many years. She taught her kids and grandkids to love with all their hearts, to be the person they are, work hard but enjoy life at the same time, give everyone they meet a fair chance and to teach others to do the same.
Jean was truly an Angel on earth and this is just a small sampling of who she was. She will indeed be very missed as she now sits in her garden in heaven to watch over us all from above.
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