Jean was born in Astoria, Oregon to George and Mabel Hediger. She graduated from Astoria High School and attended Marylhurst College. She worked as a veterinarian assistant for nearly a decade prior to her marriage to William Stauffer. They had a son, Charles Stauffer, who she loved with all her heart and of whom she was immensely proud.
After her divorce she met her best friend and husband, Jim Hickey. They were inseparable and deeply in love. Every day was an adventure. Jean had boundless energy. We referred to her as our "Energizer Bunny". There was never a problem that couldn't be solved and no obstacle that couldn't be overcome. The time to action was always now. Her warmth, kindness and love of others was reflected in her beautiful smile.
Jean had many talents. She knew the words to almost any song from the 1930's on. She was an accomplished gardener, a wonderful cool and had an impeccable eye for décor. She was a voracious reader, a whiz at Crossword Puzzles and she loved to swim. Jean loved animals and they loved her.
She and Jim traveled extensively in the United State, Canada and Europe. Jean reveled in meeting new people and exploring new places.
Jean and Jim enjoyed their home in Indian Wells, CA where many of her lifetime friends would come to visit. She enjoyed talking and laughing about the good old days all the while looking forward to what would come next.
Jean had an attitude of gratitude. She was grateful for all of life's blessings and accepting of its travails.
Jean is survived by her husband, Jim; son, Charles Stauffer (Jen); her brother, Michael Hediger; her beloved cousin, Susan Burnham Galbraith; and her stepchildren, Timothy Hickey (Heather) and Eleanor Hickey.
We were all blessed to have Jean in our lives.
