Jean Iylene Jongewaard

Jean Iylene Jongewaard, age 93, passed away peacefully at home on June 14th, 2024, with her children by her side. Jean was born on March 23, 1931 in Parker South Dakota. She lived an amazing life dedicated to her husband, children, church and other passions and hobbies she developed over her long life.

Jean attended 1st grade with her husband Larry Jongewaard in Parker South Dakota. They later went to high school together and married on September 6th, 1954. They had two children, Bryan Jongewaard (Barb) and Lori Sheehan (Donald), two grandchildren Chelsea Turek (Rasty) and Jake Jongewaard and one great granddaughter Charlie Parker Turek.

Throughout her husband’s naval career Jean was the epitome of a strong navy wife. With Larry and their children they lived and experience life in various parts of the United States and spent two years living in Japan. The Japanese culture left a lasting impression. Later in retirement, Jean and Larry became Bonsai enthusiasts. They spent many happy years together enjoying the art of growing Bonsai trees.

Jean was always active and enjoyed the outdoors. She and Larry spent time pheasant hunting in their home state of South Dakota. Jean became an avid golfer and eventually eclipsed her husband in her golfing skills. She won numerous local golf tournaments and held numerous titles including the Pensacola Ladies City Champion, A.C Read Ladies Champion and the Perdido Bay Country Club Ladies Champion. At 85 she climbed all 177 steps of the Pensacola lighthouse.

Jean was very involved with the Episcopal Churches that she and her family attended over the years. She was an active member of the Altar Guild in several churches. She led the Altar Guild at All Saints Anglican Church until she was 90 years old.

Jean had an undefeatable spirit that was admired by so many. When faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges she always faced them head on with a smile. She was an inspiration to so many. She was deeply loved and her passing leaves behind many broken hearts.

Service information

Thursday October 17th, 11:00 am, All Saints Anglican Church, 901 N. New Warrington Road, Pensacola, Florida, 32506. Committal Service at 1:30pm at Barrancas National Cemetery.