Jean Elizabeth Bates

She was born September 19th, 1960, in St Clair, MI, to Leroy Durand and Clara Zieldorff. After graduating from Port Huron Northern High School in 1980, Jean joined the Navy. It was there that fate dealt her a hand that shaped the rest of her life when a friend set her up on a pizza date with her future husband. She remained married to Timothy for the next 42 years, raising their two children and watching their three grandchildren grow up.

Jean and her quick wit, ingenuity, and wisdom will be vastly missed. Once you knew her, you were family. She would ensure you were taken care of and be there to listen to your woes and celebrate your triumphs. She enjoyed literature, baking, crocheting, quilting, and all other manner of crafts. She delighted in spending the day outside soaking up vitamin D, especially if that day were spent on the beach, letting the waves crash over her feet, carrying her woes away. She always bonded with her dogs, celebrating their growth as she did with all other members of her family. The only present she ever requested was time, as it was the most precious and yet scarce commodity that we had.

She was preceded in death by her father: Leroy Durand, her mother Clara Zieldorff, and her beloved husband, Timothy Bates. Jean was survived by her Daughters: Shannon Kranzberg and Leah Bates, Son in Law: Mike Kranzberg, Grandchildren: Alexis, Deven, and Justin Kranzberg, and a host of siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A private graveside service will be held to honor and celebrate her life, and at a later date, a wake will be held.