Jean was born Regina Madelyn Magill on July 15 1922 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was called on February 16 2015 by her lord and savior to be with him in heaven. She was 92-years-old.
As a child Jean attended Catholic school in Philadelphia. At the age of 17 Jean lost her mother and stepfather. She was on her own at that point and worked odd jobs until 1943 when she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and became a cryptographic technician. She was extremely proud of her service to our country.
While in the Army she met and married the love of her life, Rex Harden. They had their first child, a daughter, and after their discharge from the Army they moved to Oroville, Wash. in 1945 where she remained until her passing. They were blessed with three more daughters and a son.
While their family was young Jean worked part time in various jobs such as the fruit industry, as a waitress and bookkeeping, just enough to earn extra money to make her family holidays extra special. After the death of Rex at age 44, she found herself the sole provider for her five children. (A little known fact: Jean never forgot the generosity of Charles Eder Sr. who helped her with a very generous gift of money at this time.) While completely devastated by Rex’s untimely passing, she managed to put on a brave face for her children and find full time employment. She worked at the Post Office for a time and in 1975 went to work for Prince’s Department Store. She worked there for 27 years until she retired at the age of 80. She loved this job and was always grateful to her employers and dear friends Jim and Marilyn Prince for the opportunity. She also had many co-workers that were like family to her, so much so that they called her “Grandma Jean.”
The two most important things in Jean’s life were her faith and family. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for 70 years where she was an active member of the Alter Society.
She married Billy Jacobs in 1967 and he became a very important part of the family. She was an amazing mother and grandmother. She taught family values that will be passed on for generations She was the nucleus of her family and everyone gravitated to her. As adults her children would bring their young families to gather at her home to share many of the holidays. Christmas was her favorite and she always made it a very special occasion for everyone.
Jean was an avid bowler and enjoyed may trips with her team to State and National tournaments. She loved to read, garden and do ceramics. Her favorite thing was to make hand made greeting cards for birthdays and holidays for all her family.
In Mom’s later years she moved in next door to two people who became a very important part of her life. Zeke and Judy Miller were not just neighbors, not just friends, they were part of Mom’s family. They watched over and and treated Mom with special care. Mom loved them dearly and we are forever grateful to them.
Jean was preceded in death by her husbands Rex Harden and Billy Jacobs and son-in-law Charles Allie.
She is survived by her children Kathleen, Maureen (Darrell), Sharleen (Ed), Theresa (Jack) and Rick (Chris). Also 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Monday February 23, 2015. Bergh Funeral Service was in care of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the Oroville Ambulance or the charity of your choice.
