Jean Harrison Wright

Jean Harrison Wright died in the early hours of July, 17, 2018, at her home in Charlottesville, Virginia, from pancreatic cancer. Her last days of illness were mercifully brief, her final words to those nearby were "Thank you for coming, and good-bye." Jean was born on February 3, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to New York City, where as a young child her father exposed her to every culture and food the city had to offer. At the age of five, the family moved to Asheville, NC, where Jean grew up, and made lifelong friendships with two sisters, Pat Spivey and Marjorie Wilson, who still reside in the area. The Depression was hard on Jean. She often took mayonnaise sandwiches for lunch and was never fond of navy beans again. After graduating from high school in 1947, Jean worked for Southern Bell in Charlotte, NC for two years. She went back to Asheville to attend junior college, graduating in 1951. In 1953 she married Richard H. Wright and became a military wife. They had three children, Michael (Mike), Tedi and Richard (Rick). The family moved many times around the U.S., finally settling in Alexandria, Virginia in 1969. With her children in high school, Jean started a career with the Environmental Protection Agency in 1971, accepting a lower initial grade of pay to be in a job that was more challenging. By the time she retired in 2003, she had worked in several areas, lastly in contract negotiations for Superfund. Jean was divorced in 1974, and after joining a support group she learned of how many divorced military wives were in dire financial situations. Seeking to change this, she lobbied Congress for many years, during her lunch breaks and on the weekends, to pass the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act in 1982. Although she knew she would never benefit from this protection, she fought hard so that all future former spouses could. Although Jean traveled frequently for work, she was always ready to go places on vacation. She traveled to find the sun in the dreary winter months, often to Mexico, where she reveled in the beautiful foliage and kindness of the Mexican people. Retirement eventually brought Jean to Charlottesville in 2006 to be near family. She had a beautiful home in University Village, where she could enjoy the comfort her life of hard work deserved. She continued to travel with her family and friends, her last overseas trip was in 2011 to France. In September of 2016, while in Clearwater, Florida on a family gathering, Jean and her granddaughter parasailed together. Her determination to do new things never wavered. She also lived by the adage "to whom much is given much is expected in return." She was generous with her family, however she did not stop there. Jean believed in fair pay, equal rights and opportunities for all. For several years after moving to Charlottesville, Jean volunteered at the Almost Home Pet Adoption Center, to help Tedi care for the animals. During this time she adopted a one-eyed, older shih tzu, Buttons, who adored her, and later a sweet dog, Mandy, who had cancer. A cat, Missy, was her last adoption. Jean is survived by her son Michael and his wife Margie, grandsons Matthew Wright and Jeremy Midcap, all of Florida; and by her daughter Tedi, of Charlottesville and granddaughter Larken Wright Kennedy, of Pennsylvania. Her son Richard died in 2014. The family will hold a celebration of Jean's life at her home on Saturday, July 21, from noon-4. All are welcome. Memorial contributions may be made to Almost Home Pet Adoption Center, in Lovingston, Virginia; Friends of Nelson, on-line, or any charity, especially those who champion animals or the environment.