Jean Henderson Wegener

Jean Henderson Wegener, Chief Executive Officer of Serving People In Need (SPIN) passed away May 29. She was 74. Leading the local Orange County non-profit successfully assisting homeless families with children return to self-sufficiency for 30 years, Wegener became a champion of O.C.’s underserved population. During her tenure with SPIN Wegener raised the bar transforming the nonprofit from a small local volunteer agency founded by Sam Boyce members of Newport’s Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church into one of Orange County’s most respected agencies serving all community members. So far in 2021 SPIN has served 345 families including 480 adults and 481 children.

Jean was born on August 13, 1946 and raised in West Chatham, New Jersey to parents David and Margaret Henderson. She was beloved by her parents and shared many fond memories of her childhood including summers on the beach in Cape Cod with her brother and sister. Jean was a bright and tenacious student who attended Chatham High School and began college at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire. Jean finished her college career transferring to the University of Southern California earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

She began her philanthropic service working with the Assistance League of Newport Mesa. In addition, Jean also was a part of the Fieldstone Leadership Network mentoring other Executive Directors. She worked with the Newport Assistant City Manager on review committee for the City’s Permanent Supportive Housing Project and the Newport Beach Ad Hoc committee to city council for homelessness. Jean’s service to the community has been recognized by the California Assembly and the United States Senate.

Her community service reach included membership in the Family Solutions Collaborative, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the Costa Mesa Homeless Solutions Network, the Orange County Continuum of Care, Homeless Providers Forum and the Association of California Cities (Central). Further, Wegener joined other Executive Directors meeting for the Orange County Continuum of Care, served on the fundraising and executive committees for Family Solutions Collaborative and participated in the Melinda Hoag Smith Center Partner meetings. She was also a serious advocate addressing issues relating to the John Wayne/ Santa Ana Airport affecting the community.

She was known as a true force of nature. Jean devoted her life to serving her community and those struggling through difficult times. She fought hard for what she believed in and never backed down. Her courage to act to help those left behind in society, changed the lives of literally thousands of people over three decades of service to SPIN. Thousands of people who often impacted the lives of thousands. When no one else, and no other agency could help, Jean Wegener had an open door. This is her legacy. Jean will be missed by SPIN, the Orange County community, her family and many friends. In addition to Jean’s tremendous impact on her community, she will be remembered by her family for her love of miniature schnauzers, immaculate Christmas decorating skills and her passion for gardening. She is survived by her son Jeff Wegener, his wife Nicole and son Sean, along with her son Brian Wegener, his wife Emily and children Kenzie and Keegan Wegener.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 5 at 1 pm, Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Newport Beach. A reception will follow at The Pacific Club. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Jean Wegener’s name to SPIN. Please go to www.spinoc.org.