Jean Marie Kuzmanich's Obituary
Jean Marie Kuzmanich passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025 at the age of 93 years, joining her husband, her Mother, and many beloved family members and dear friends, who had passed before her.
She was born on November 25, 1931 in Tacoma, WA, to Esther Lundblad. An only child, Jean was raised in a multigenerational home, where she excelled academically and graduated from Stadium High School. On July 5, 1954, she married her husband, Marion. Together they moved to Sacramento, CA soon after, where they had their children, before moving back to Washington in 1967. They settled in Brown’s Point (Northeast Tacoma) for many years, then moved into town, before Marion’s passing in 1997.
Professionally, Jean held many roles over the years. She worked as a secretary/ stenographer at the California State Fish and Game, and later as a civilian clerk stenographer at the drafting branch at McClellan AFB in California. After returning to Washington, she then worked along her husband in his printing business for many years. However, she was proudest of her years as a medical transcriptionist for Tacoma Family Medicine, where she formed lasting bonds with many of the residents in the practice. After retiring from Multicare, she found joy and excelled working as a Library Page for the Tacoma Public Library’s Swayse branch.
She was a true adventurer, always carving her own path. In her (slightly) younger years, she found great pleasure in hiking and long walks, and was a member of The Mountaineer’s Club for a time. She had a deep love of culture, and was an avid reader, seeking out rare and meaningful literature. A lifelong music lover, she was particularly fond of classical, opera and show tunes. She also loved spending time gardening.
She also had a keen appreciation of fine art, and developed a passion for film-delighting not only in the classics, but also in obscure and eclectic genres. She shared her passion with others through her many years of volunteer service at The Grand Cinema in Tacoma.
She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Barbara Vorous (Gary), Tony Kuzmanich (Susan) and Robin Haws (Jeff); her granddaughters Nichelle Bankston (John), Shevawn Byrd (Joe), Natalie Yeaton (Adam) and Danielle Kuzmanich; and great-grandsons Benjamin Bankston and J.J Byrd.
Jean Kuzmanich will be laid to rest with her husband on August 25, 2025 at 1:30pm.
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