Jean Anne Biddison (Elo), a long-term resident of Anacortes, passed away in early July. She was 92. She lived a full life. She passed in her sleep surrounded by her family.

She's home now with her late husband Don, her parents Ed and Ruth and her sister Pat. She is survived by her two children, Eric and Kerstin.

Jean was born in rural Minnesota where she lived with her parents and her sister. When WWII broke out the family moved to Chicago to help with the war effort. Jean and her sister started school there.

After the war, the family moved to Texas, where the sisters finished middle school and learned to ride horses ... which came in handy when they all moved to a small rural town in northern California. Here the girls finished high school, rode horses, and helped raise chickens. Life was good.

The next move was to Berkeley, CA where Jean graduated from UC Berkeley, completed physical therapy courses at UCSF, and started her career as a physical therapist.

While in Berkeley, Jean met and married her true love Don. Together they continued their careers and started a family. They moved to Walnut Creek, bought a house, and raised their family during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. They were great parents. Their kids received good educations, enjoyed sports, and were active in various clubs. Jean and Don were active in the church and neighborhood social gatherings. There were many unforgettable family vacations and road trips. The whole family helped Jean's parents build a log cabin in the Sierra foothills where there were numerous holiday get togethers over the years. Don and Jean also sponsored international exchange students. Life was good.

Don and Jean retired to the beautiful PNW. It was a great time. Both enjoyed adjusting to retirement. They were members of a local church, making new friends, and exploring new places. Jean found time to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and various church missions. Don bought a boat and they explored the SJI. They also traveled to numerous destinations around the world. They even got themselves yet another corgi. Life was good.

Then family started showing up. At one time or another Jean and Don hosted sisters, nieces, nephews, both kids, and Jean's mom. Before long family members became so intrigued with the area that they started to relocate here. Everyone had their own homes, but Jean and Don's home was the epicenter. One big happy family. Jean hosted many family birthdays and holidays. She was so happy. Life was good.

For several years life was good. Lots of family, friends and dogs. But eventually life started playing its game of 'no one gets out alive.' Jean lost her mother. Then both Jean and Don lost their sisters. And then Jean lost her beloved Don. Life had changed.

Jean downsized from the big house to a small condo. She enjoyed several years there with lots of visits from family, friends, and dogs, of course. Life was still good.

During covid Jean had a stroke. She recovered nicely but life was never quite the same. She spent a few years at an assisted living facility, but her health  diminished. She spent her last year and a half in memory care where she eventually succumbed to the ravages of dementia. While there, sheremained vigilant throughout and was well liked. She could light up a room with her smile right up to the end.

Jean is with her family who preceded her and is now at peace. Life was good.  She will be missed and loved always.  To share memories of Jean, please visit: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/jean-elo