Jean McKay Bethke

Jean McKay Bethke (92), of Bethesda, MD and Creede, CO, died Sunday July 24, 2022. The only child of Henry Donald and Kota Fox McKay, Jean was born in Chicago, March 17, 1930. She is preceded in death by her husband and true partner of 56 years Phillip Martin Bethke, and is survived by her seven children and their beloved spouses and children: Craig (Abigail and children Henry, Gabrielle, and Claire), Bruce (Ann Marie and children Ryan, Kara and AJ), Alison (Peter and son Matthew), Scott (Margaret), Lynn (Randy and son Jack), Andrew (and son Benjamin), and Leslie (Kevin). A woman of courage and character, she was a special mother and great friend to many. She was an accomplished dancer and ardent supporter of the theater. Known for her sense of humor and irrepressible spirit along with her pattern of shaping the lives of those she befriended or took under her care, Jean touched many, many lives. Her passions, outside of her family and honorary adopted children; included the Arts, enabling children through programs like Head Start, and supporting nourishment, education, and legal care for those in need through philanthropy. She will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at Joseph Gawler’s Sons 5130 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC on Saturday July 30, 2022 at 1:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Montgomery Hospice, or Feeding America.