Jeannelle (Jeanne) Brisbane Holroyd's Obituary
Jeannelle (Jeanne) B Holroyd was vibrant and kind. She brought beauty and warmth to the world around her and everyone she knew. Jeanne lived a life full of grace, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.
Jeanne was born on June 22, 1930 in San Angelo, Texas to Bertrice and Walter Hein, MD.
She grew up in cities and towns across the West during her father's career as a flight surgeon with the Army Air Corp and the US Air Force which shaped the person she would become. Jeanne always embraced opportunities to meet new friends. Her interest in others was genuine, powerful and unique. She had a special gift for conversation. When her family moved to Tacoma, Jeanne attended Clover Park High School where she met her future husband, Jack Holroyd. She attended the University of Puget Sound and The University of New Mexico all the while staying in touch and in love with Jack. Upon transferring to Washington State University her junior year, they became engaged. After graduation they married one week later on June 7, 1952 and enjoyed nearly 70 years of marriage. Jack and Jeanne welcomed their daughter Sheri in 1956. Jeanne was a proud and compassionate mother, and she and Sheri shared an extraordinarily close relationship.
Jeanne enjoyed a wide circle of friends and cherished her many friendships. She was active in the community, volunteering for many organizations. She was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and remained an active alum for many years. She belonged to the Junior League of Tacoma, Nesika Club ,Tacoma Art Museum Activities Council and she and Jack were longtime members of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club.
She loved gardening, snow skiing, playing bridge and tennis, boating, reading , entertaining, and dancing with Jack. She believed in the beauty of simple things: a walk through the apple orchard, admiring the moon, watching a bunny hop across their lawn, or sharing Lilies of the Valley from her garden.
Jeanne's greatest delight was time spent with her family. She adored each of us and always showed her affection, generosity and ever present joy. Our 'Gigi " taught us many lessons and her cheerfulness, wisdom and sense of humor were a light in every room. She modeled how to live a successful life and we will carry her spirit with us in the way we love and the way we treat others.
She is survived by her daughter, Sheri (Mark) Bertolin, granddaughter Ashley (Joe) Wilson, grandson Bryce (Madison) Bertolin, Great Grandchildren, Hallie, Jacqueline, and Ryland, sister-in-law, Cynthia Holroyd and several nieces and nephews.
Our family extends sincere gratitude to The Weatherly Inn for their compassion and care these past years.
In lieu of flowers, please honor her memory by planting something beautiful and by reaching out to someone you love, as she did, everyday.
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