Jean Irene Byers

Jean was born on October 2, 1917 in Roundup, MT, the seventh of eight children of Valentine and

Cristina (Rodeghiero) Paganini. Her father was a local contractor and proprietor. Jean graduated from high school in Roundup, MT in 1935. She attended and graduated from College of Business in Billings, MT. During World War II she moved to Los Angeles, which is where she met Lee Byers. In 1950 they were married, they were blessed with their only child a son, Tony. Lee passed away in 1956, leaving Jean to raise her son on her own.

Mrs. Byers worked as a secretary for the L.A. County Psychiatric Center. Her work, and taking care of her son as a single mother, were her passions. Yearly vacations to Montana and Oregon kept her close to her family, and after Tony finished school and married Karen (Sullivan), Jean moved back to Montana in 1978, managing some family businesses in Billings. In 1997, she moved to Beaverton to be close to her son and grandchildren, enjoying their graduations, birthdays, and weddings for over fifteen years. Jean spent her last nine years receiving excellent care at an adult foster care home. Her family would like to make special mention of how grateful they are to her longterm caregiver, Georgeta Ivers and loyal assistants.

Jean will be remembered as a loving, energetic woman with a huge heart. She loved her big family and had a tremendous sense of humor. Whether writing or speaking, she could communicate her thoughts and feelings to anyone, and expertly utilized her experience and business skills during her career. She loved Western movies and the Bonanza TV show. Jean was an animal lover, especially dogs, cats and birds, and always took care of animals, even at the care facility.

Mrs. Byers was preceded in death by her siblings, Lena, Laura, Rene, Anita, Gloria, Paul, and infant twins who passed away very young.

She is survived by her son Tony Byers and his wife Karen of Beaverton;

grandchildren Michael and Caitlin Byers (and their daughter Laura; at three months Jean’s first

great- grandchild),

Rachel and Charles “Rusty” Farley, and Stephen Byers and Kimberly Endrizzi;

and by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would welcome donations in Jean’s name to the church.