Jean Carol Mesle

On Friday, July 6, 2018 Jean Carol Mesle passed away peacefully at the age of 93. Beloved wife of the late John Edward Mesle, Jr. Beloved mother of the late John Edward Mesle, III, and leaving behind two beloved daughters; Janis Casey (Steven), Jeanne Jeffries (Donald), and one son, Clinton Mesle. Jean was also blessed to have one grandson; John, and two granddaughters; Katherine and Julianna.

Jean Carol Gumbrecht was born in Queens Village, New York. She was the daughter of John C. Gumbrecht and Hattie Oehlers Gumbrecht and sister to brothers John and Clinton. All have proceeded her in death. Jean graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1942. She worked a series of secretarial jobs while doing her part for the war effort by volunteering as a USO hostess.

She met the love of her life in 1946 at a political fundraiser in New York City. A year later she married John Edward Mesle, Jr.

The marriage was a happy one and they were blessed with four children. In 1970, John, or Jack to his friends and family, moved Jean and their four children and car full of dogs and cats, from Wantagh, Long Island, to Annandale, Virginia. One year after the move, Jack succumbed to cancer making Jean a single parent and head of the household. Jean, who had never learned to drive a car or pay bills, took charge and kept the tight knit family together through this difficult time.

In 1974 Jean landed the dream job of working for Anna Chennault, wife of General Claire Chennault who was the famed leader of the Flying Tigers during World War II. Working at TAC International, Jean became Madame Chennault’s right hand and trusted assistant and traveled the world with her as well as representing her at political fundraisers and cocktail parties with Washington’s power brokers. From her K Street office she met Senators, Congressmen, and even got to meet presidents Ford, Reagan and Bush 41.

Jean retired from TAC International in 1989 and spent time in what she loved the most; painting, writing poetry, and helping to raise her beloved grandchildren. She was an active volunteer with Leewood Nursing Home. She was a lover of all animals and she always had a dog by her side. She was an active member of the church and loved to read her stories to children.

A service for Jean will be held on Saturday, 21 July at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 4801 Ravensworths Road, Annandale, VA at 11 am. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to The Friends of The Homeless Animals, P.O. Box 415, Aldie, VA, 20105.