Jean Marie Wenzel

Jean Wenzel was a vibrant spirit whose love for people, adventure, and sunshine knew no bounds, passed away on June 25, 2025, in Everett, WA. She was 61.

Jean was adopted and raised with love by Shirley and Burr Wenzel in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She had 3 brothers–Pat, Mark and Kevin. Jean is survived by her partner Anne, three children—Nicole, Madison, and Landon—and three grandchildren, Hazel, Juniper, and Lincoln, all children of Nicole and her husband Robert.

Jean built a distinguished career in global customer support at several multinational technology companies. Her calm leadership, empathy, and strategic brilliance helped redefine pathways in tech, working her way up the ladder every step of the way.

Jean loved to travel. She had a heart for Arizona deserts, where she found beauty in the quiet desert landscapes, petroglyphs and exploring the mesas of New Mexico, Jean was also at home wherever there was water. She was an avid sailor, a passionate scuba diver, and someone who believed that the best kind of day ended with sandy feet and salt in her hair. Most days one would find her with sun on her face and Jimmy Buffett playing in the background. Key West held a special place in her heart—her own slice of paradise where flip-flops were formalwear. Getting breakfast at Pepe’s on her loop for securing the perimeter of Key West on her Ruckus was her favorite pastime. She was proud of her Million Miler status with Delta. She visited every single U.S. state and an unlistable amount of countries, capturing not just passport stamps but memories, friendships, and stories every single step of the way.

At home, Jean was a devoted partner to Anne and a loving mother to their three children raised with compassion, humor, and adventure. Her role as GiGi to her three grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy—she basked in their laughter and stories and never missed a chance to spoil them just a little.

Jean will be remembered for her boundless warmth, adventurous spirit, and the deep, genuine connections she fostered with everyone she met. She lived life fully and generously, never missing a chance to laugh, to explore, or to be present for those she loved. Her legacy lives on in every sunset over the water, every desert bloom, and every family trip inspired by her love of the journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida. https://seaturtlehospitalstore.com/collections/donations

The memorial campfire will be held for anyone local to the Seattle area on August 1st, 2025 at The Lookout Lodge 2410 Newberg Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290 from 5PM-Late for reflection on Jeans life. Dress comfy, bring stories and be ready to sit around a campfire and cook pudgy pies.

“Some of it’s magic and some of it’s tragic but I had a good life all the way.” -Jimmy Buffett