Jean Gorman Perkins

Jean Gorman Perkins, 97, was born on August 6, 1924, in St. Paul, MN. Her early years were spent in Pawhuska, OK and Long Beach, CA. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School at the age of 16, and from Whittier College at the age of 19, with an Education Degree. She taught Elementary School briefly before answering the call of adventure to become an American Airlines stewardess after World War II. Originally based in New York City, she shared an apartment with 8 roommates, all stewardesses, and all great friends. She was later transferred to Tulsa, OK, and that’s when the real adventure began! She met Al Perkins who quickly won her heart. They married in 1949 and settled in Tulsa to raise their two daughters, Peggy and Patty. In 1969, Jean and Al moved to Woodland Hills, CA where Al went to work for Lockheed Martin, and Jean taught Third Grade at several Catholic Schools including St. Mels. When Al retired, they moved to San Diego, and found many close friends at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ocean Beach. After Al passed away in 2017, Jean moved to Pasadena to live near her daughter, Patty.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and David A. Gorman, her sister Patricia Lowen, and her beloved husband, Al Perkins.

Her memory will be cherished by her daughters, Peggy Wollmershauser and husband, Mark, and Patty Perkins and Partner Licia Ortiz, as well as grandchildren, Amy Wollmershauser and Mark Wollmershauser, Jr., his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, Mark III and Madilyn, as well as Jean’s sister, Angela Jarnagan, and countless nieces and nephews.

Jean died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. She lived a life of courage and Faith, with a healthy dose of humor. She loved good books, bridge games at the South Pasadena Senior Center, lively conversation, daily crossword puzzles, afternoon naps, chocolate chip cookies, and a 5:00 bourbon. She could debate ideas and current events with vigor, and she was always inquisitive and well-informed. Most importantly, she was as devoted to her family as they were to her.

A Funeral Mass for Jean is planned for November 5, 2021 at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Pasadena, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Jean’s memory to Special Olympics Oklahoma or to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.