Jean Lucille Southwell, age 95 of Marshall, formerly of Parma, passed away Sunday, October 27, 2019, at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall of a massive stroke. She was born October 5, 1924 in Albion, Michigan, to parents Jim and Vera (Craver) Landon. She was married to Verl Southwell for 49 years until he passed away in 1996. She is also preceded in death by her parents, and a son, Jeffrey Southwell. Blessed to have had her as a mother are son, Scott (Penny) Southwell of Marshall and Janine (Dennis) Szymanski of Cadillac. She was grandmother to Shallon (Lorne) Juday, Shay Southwell, Aaron (Michelle) Szymanski, and Adam (Christine) Szymanski, along with being a great-grandmother to 5 children and a great-great-grandmother to 2 children. There were many facets to Jean, and although she might not have thought so, she had a bit of an adventurous streak. Some of her adventures included soloing in an airplane in her early 20s, participating in an Outward Bound experience in the Colorado Rockies, and joining with the Skyline Hikers of Canada on a week-long hiking/camping trip near Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies. And this past summer, she checked an item off her bucket list of riding in the sidecar of an antique motorcycle restored and driven by her son, Scott....what a hoot we had watching her grin and wave as she cruised by! Having a Down Syndrome son, she was very involved in the Hope School which was the precursor of the Torrant Center in Jackson. She also spent many years as a board member for the Potential Development Homes, Inc. (now known as Lifespan) with the goal of establishing group homes for disabled individuals in which to live and thrive. She was a long time member of the Parma United Methodist Church. In addition to caring for her home and family, she worked many years at her husband's business, Red Carpet Travel, keeping the books in order. She was an avid gardener and often referred to herself as a "hayseed," loving to see the farmland and crops in the Parma area where she was raised and lived for most of her life. Going on "drive-abouts" in the country was a favorite pastime, especially in the fall to see the changing leaves..if part of the trip included a stop to have a chocolate shake, that really made her day! She had a wonderful sense of humor, the first to laugh at herself, and couldn't wait to share something silly she had done. Jean was a great Mom and Grandma, always there to help her family as needed. Whether friend or family member, we were fortunate to share in the life of Jean Southwell! She's going to be missed greatly. We love you Mama!
It was her request to not have a service. Should you wish to donate, please choose your favorite charity, with acknowledgements to be sent to Janine Szymanski, 11637 S. 11 1/2 Road, Cadillac, MI, 49601. To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com.
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