Jean Wright

Jean Jean Arlene Wright passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 13, 2022 in Kalamazoo, Michigan surrounded by loved ones. She was born September 4, 1935 in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, the oldest child of 5, of Dorothy and Milton Thompson. From 1954-1956 Jean served proudly in the United States Marine Corps in Norfolk, VA. During that time Jean met and married Richard Wright. After receiving honorable discharges they moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan to start their careers and family. Shortly thereafter, their only child was born, Deborah Jean Wright. Jean always said that the wisest decision of her life was joining the Marines so that she could further her education and other life possibilities. Being the first person in her family to attend college, Jean attended Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo, receiving a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts - with Honors - in Communication Arts & Sciences. This education was the foundation of a long and fulfilling career in various communications and humanities positions. While at WMU, Jean coordinated the Japanese Student Exchange program and as a result developed many close life-long friendships. Jean was also very involved with the community including as a Western Alumni, Hospice Coordinator, and long-time member of the First United Methodist Church. Throughout her life, Jean was devoted to her family as a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Surviving is her daughter, Deb (Wright) Jokela of Kalamazoo MI; two grandchildren, Alyss (Stephanie) Salas of Portage, MI and Kara (Doug) Powers of Granger, IN; two great-grandchildren, Roman Salas and Declan Powers. Two more great-grandbabies are on the way; baby boy Salas (name TBD), and Finley Mae Powers - both babies are due Summer 2022. Her true love and companion of 17 years, Walter Scheibner, preceded her in death, but their families remain close; Carol Scheibner, Kurt & Kazuko Scheibner, Karl & Patty Scheibner, Kate & John Peabody, Colleen & Mike Barker, and Brian Barker. Also surviving are Jean's brothers & sister; Fred (Julie) Thompson, Bill (Joan) Thompson, Catherine (Don) Ruff, Jim (Arlene) Thompson, and scores of other close family and friends - far too many to mention by name. Jean was a world traveler, thoroughly enjoying all the peoples and cultures she encountered along her journeys. Other interests included entertaining, going to plays & concerts and reading/book clubs. Most impressive; Jean was fierce and truly a self-made woman! Coming from humble beginnings, she rose up and lived life to its fullest; working full-time while going to College and raising a child as a single mother! Her legacy lives on in her daughter and granddaughters who all graduated from WMU with Graduate Degrees. One of Jean's favorite quotes as quoted in an Op Ed by Diether Haenicke, "When your life flashes before your eyes, be sure there is plenty to watch". Following her wishes, Jean's body has been donated to the Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held mid-May; date and details to be announced soon. Contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org (click Donate then Tribute).