Jean Tolin

Tolin, Jean Faye 3/15/1943 - 11/14/2020 Kalamazoo Jean passed away on Nov 14, 2020, from complications caused by COVID. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, she graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1960. Her parents, Bruce and Hazel (Schrier) Perry, raised Jean alongside her six siblings, Phil, Doug, Loren, Ann, Kay, and Sue. Jean was a caring and giving person. She was a foster parent for over 20 years, fostering over 400 children, earning the nickname "Ma Goose". In addition to raising her biological and adopted children Robert, Steven, Suzanne (Ray), Sarah, William, Rachel, and Joshua, she also "adopted" countless other children, including neighbors, friends of her kids, and anyone who needed mothering. Her house was where everyone wanted to be. She never minded that there were extra kids around because, "what's a few more?" It was certainly an adventure taking 8-12 kids camping, to Disney World, or amusement parks. After her children were grown, Jean thoroughly enjoyed doting on her grandchildren Ja'Mon, Ja'La, Ja'den, Malike, Mackenzie, Macey Tolin, and Dakota Reed. The kids always preferred grandma Tolin's house to their own, and she often kept groups of them overnight. They would get spoiled, eat her home cooking, and play together. In January, due to poor health, Jean moved to Alamo Nursing Home. She soon made a group of friends that we referred to as "the posse". They enjoyed Bingo, attending resident counsel, getting food delivered for "supper club", and sitting together outside on the porch. She continued her caregiving duties there, assisting the recreation department with making signs and decorating, welcoming new residents, writing and delivering birthday cards, and helping residents at bingo. She made friends with residents and staff alike, and we have heard from many about how much she will be missed. We will forever be grateful to the staff at Alamo for the exceptional care she received while she was there. Due to the pandemic, there will be no service at this time. Please visit Jean's webpage to sign the online guestbook and share a story, memory, or experience at: https://www.langelands.com. If a celebration of life is conducted at a later date, we would love to share these stories. Contributions in memory of Jean may be made to the Salvation Army Christmas Angel Tree, 1700 South Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001.