Jean Carmen Haliski was born in Portland Oregon to Nils and Carmen (Donegan) Elfving. She was their only child. Jean attended St. Rose Grade School, Holy Child Academy and graduated from Parkrose High School. She was employed in the advertising department of Meier and Frank.
In November of 1953 she married the love of her life, William K. (Bill) Haliski. In January of 1955 Jean was stricken with Bulbar polio and placed in an iron lung. Her husband was returning from his tour of duty and was taken off a troop ship in the Straits of Juan de Fuca and flown to her side as she was not expected to live. She fought a valiant battle to recover, which she did, but had life long health issues as a result. She will be remembered for her strong character and a keen wit. In 1957 their welcomed their only child, a daughter, Jan Marie.
She is survived by daughter, Jan Robison and her husband John; grandchildren, Erik Gillett (Betty Gilchrist), Roxanne Pearce (Brett) of Spokane, WA, Brett Robison of San Francisco, CA and Amber Walker (Hall) of Bellingham, WA; great grandchildren, Eleanora and Magnus; and many wonderful nieces and nephews in numerous different states.
Jean devoted much of her life to education and really had a passion for helping children. She served as a School Board member for over 30 years, and was on other district boards, including the Multnomah County Education Service District and Parkrose School District Boards. She, along with her husband Bill were active on the parish council of Saint Rita Catholic Church for many years. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining, going to the Oregon Coast (Rockaway) and traveling in general.
She loved living at Laurelhurst Terrace in Assisted Living the last two years in her apartment and made many wonderful friends with fellow residents and the loving staff. The love and care she received there is truly appreciated by the family. The family wishes to give a very special thank you and recognition to help with transitioning from living in the home on Humboldt street for over 50 years to assisted living, plus to countless hours of love and time beyond measure is given to Karen Darrin (niece), Sue Schneider and Bob Johnson.
Jean was proud of her rich Oregon pioneer history (Smyth and Capt. Fritz Elfving), and Scandinavian heritage. Her Irish grandfather Patrick Donegan, must have thought it right to call her to the Lord's house on Saint Patrick's Day.
Any remembrances can be made to the Oregon Humane Society as Jean and her husband Bill loved animals.
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