Jean Elizabeth Korum

Obituary Jean Elizabeth O'Brien Korum Jean Elizabeth O'Brien Korum came into this world on November 22, 1921, in the tiny town of Malta, Montana. She always told us that she had a happy childhood with her three much-loved brothers; Adrian, Arlyn, and Pat; along with her three spectacular sisters; Bonnie, Barb, and Alyce. When she went to Great Falls to attend Beauty School, she met the love of her life, Mel. He then enlisted in the Army, and was stationed at Fort Lewis. He loved the Pacific Northwest so Jean joined him, living in nearby Seattle with her sister, Barb, and her brother in-law, Jim. They had a small wedding at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Mom often spoke of their early years as newlyweds. Soon after, along came their four children: Jerry, Colleen, Jan, and Bill, and ultimately, their four spouses, respectively; Germaine, Keith, Andres, and Debbie. The following years brought fifteen grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren. Jean loved the gift of Motherhood. She excelled at homemaking. There were always starched shirts in the closet, cookies on the kitchen counter, and gardens full of vegetables and flowers. She reveled in her many roles; teacher, healer, counselor, compassionate caregiver, decorator, loving wife, mother, and friend. Her infectious aura was one of positivity, generosity, and gratitude. In her shy, reserved manner, she glided through life with a quiet determination. However, in her comfort zone, she was a spunky, fun loving, gregarious gal! When she was coming to the end of this journey, her doctor asked her children what was most important to their mother. We all four answered simultaneously "God and family". That was our dear Mother and sweet Gigi. Special thanks to Cherie, Michelle, and Myrene, who enriched her life these past two years, and to the staff at Good Samaritan Hospital, especially Dr. Randhawa, Dr. Khan, and Dr. Mosley. Until we all meet again, beautiful Jeanie from Montana. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Jean's life will be held Monday, August 17, 2015, at 3:00pm at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Sumner, Washington. Interment at Gethsemane Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, feel free to send a prayer heavenward or a donation to Saint Andrew Food Bank where Gigi volunteered and found fabulous friends and fulfillment for eight years after Mel's death. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.