Jean Bright

Bright, Jean 5/24/1927 - 9/10/2022 Kalamazoo Aleda Jean Schutt Bright, "Jean", 95 of Kalamazoo passed away September 10, 2022 under the outstanding care of Friendship Village Health Center and Centrica Hospice. Jean was born to Richard and Carloyn Schutt on May 24, 1927 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She grew up with her sisters Shirley and Loretta learning frugality and service to others during the Great Depression and WWII. Jean attended Western Michigan College, studying Occupational Therapy and graduating in 1949. At Western, she met and married John Bright(deceased) in June of 1949. They owned and ran Wolverine Press for over thirty years. Jean worked in her field as an O.T. until having children. She later went on to start and run a preschool and a silk screen business. Many will best remember Jean for her passion and interest in historical homes, antiques and the history of Kalamazoo. The family moved in 1973 to a historic home at 436 Stuart Avenue. Jean was instrumental in founding the Stuart Area Restoration Association where she served as president and organized many years of historic homes tours. Jean was a diligent community volunteer, serving on many boards and organizations. She also was an accomplished gardener, decorator and gracious host to those she loved to entertain in her home. In earlier years she enjoyed camping, sailing, canoeing, and piloting small planes. She also played bridge with life long friends and loved giving wonderful tea parties. Most of all, Jean was a loving, and loyal wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend. Among her greatest attributes were her patience, optimism, perseverance and kindness. Jean is survived by sons, Thomas Bright, Coos Bay, OR; Jeffrey (Katherine) Bright, Portage, MI; two grandchildren, Lauren (Casey) Lamb, Jersey City, NJ and Jordan Bright, Kalamazoo, MI She is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Shirley Mattraw and Loretta McKee and her son Steven Bright. A celebration of Jean Bright's life will be held at Peoples Church, 1758 10th Street N., Kalamazoo, MI 49009 on October 9th at 2:30 P.M.