Jean F Hubinger

A common theme throughout Jean Farquhar Hubinger’s life was peace. On November 6th, beloved grandmother, educator, volunteer, community activist and mother to all including the planet passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home at the golden age of 90. She was surrounded by her loving family and devoted caregivers. Until her last breath, she maintained her sharp wit. Born with a fearless voice, Jean dedicated her life to defending and nurturing those in need, touching countless lives with her fervor and dedication.

Her indomitable spirit and relentless advocacy left an indelible mark on her community and beyond. A celebration of life will be at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, December 1st at Mayflower Congregational Church.

Born on January 7, 1934, in Bremerton, Washington, Jean was the second of three daughters of Rear Admiral Allan Shannon Farquhar (USN, Ret) and educator Charlotte Monnett Farquhar. As a Navy junior, she experienced a culturally diverse childhood, moving frequently across the country in step with her father's assignments. During World War II, she, her mother, and sisters relocated to the family homestead in Bucyrus, Ohio, while Captain Farquhar commanded the Norfolk Naval Base. Jean often spoke fondly of her childhood in Bucyrus, particularly the influence of her maternal grandmother, Mary Ann Monnett, a suffragette whose activism sparked Jean’s lifelong dedication to championing both human and animal rights. Proud of her lineage of educated and influential women, Jean was equally aware of the disparities of privilege and devoted her life to expanding access to quality education for all.

Jean’s formative years in Winchester, Massachusetts were marked by academic and athletic achievement. It was here she began her enduring passion for the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Pops. After high school, Jean attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Botany and was an active member of Chi Omega sorority. She later acquired a master’s degree in education from Syracuse University. Jean and her former husband settled in Barneveld, New York, where they raised their four daughters before relocating to Oklahoma City. Post-retirement from teaching at Poland Central School, Westminster Day School and Millwood Elementary School, she joined Hertz International, continuing her career well into her later years.

Throughout her life, Jean was a dedicated educator, teaching formally in the classroom and informally through various mentoring roles, including her leadership in the Brownie Scouts, her involvement with Whiz Kids, and her volunteer work with the Science Museum Oklahoma (Omniplex) and Harn Homestead. Her commitment to environmental conservation was heartfelt, evidenced by her donning a bald eagle outfit at environmental events and her honorary membership in Boy Scout Troop 236. Jean’s love for nature extended to her participation in the American Volkssport Association, a walking club where she achieved the remarkable feat of walking in all 77 counties in Oklahoma and each U.S. state while meeting new friends that she kept throughout the years.

Jean’s political and social activism was equally vigorous and well-informed, marked by her roles as one of the first and most dedicated members of Moms Demand Action in Oklahoma, a consistent and tireless volunteer for the Homeless Alliance along with her work with the 363 Group. She was known for her robust political debates, always armed with her well-thumbed copy of the U.S. Constitution in her handbag. Even in her 90th year, Jean remained a dynamic presence in the community, visible in her distinctive Mini Cooper as she delivered cookies to the Homeless Alliance or ferried voters to the polls. Jean also reveled in her role as "Grandma Kitty" eagerly exploring her grandchildren's passions.

She orchestrated unique solo trips with each grandchild, ranging from wildlife excursions to Yellowstone to see wolves in their natural habitat to attending Metallica's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with taking the grandkids on Volkswalks with her. Through these adventures, Jean discovered worlds and wonders that she acknowledged would have remained unknown to her, if not for the curiosity and interests of her grandchildren.

Jean was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Anne F. Malone; and brothers-in-law, Col. Daniel Malone (USA, Ret) and Dr. Robert “Bob” Graham, III.

She is survived by her four beloved daughters and their families; daughter Barbara Jones and Barbara’s step children, James, Christian, Justin, Ashley, and Haleigh and their families; daughter Carolyn Kumpe (Ken) and their son Christian Kane; daughter Gretchen Hubinger (Dennis Strait) and their children Richard Evan Strait (Bea and their son, Tristan), Elliott Strait; daughter Martha Blue (Jeff) and their children Trevor, Tristan, Zoe Blue. Also mourning her loss are her sister, Mary Allan Farquhar Graham, and several nieces, nephews, including Leslie Berger (Kevin), Shannon Miller (Mike), Robert Graham (Leigh), David Graham (Alison), along with other family members.

Jean was an active member of Mayflower Congregational UCC. In lieu of flowers, donations to her favorite charities: Homeless Alliance; Moms Demand Action; Sierra Club would honor her legacy of activism.

“Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg