Obituary

On Thursday, February 23, 2023, Jean M. Galea, loving wife, and mother of four children, passed away at the age of 91 in Pepper Pike, Ohio. Jean was born on June 19, 1931, in Williston, North Dakota to Murdoch (Jack) and Bessie MacDonald. She is survived by her children, James M. Galea (Lisa) of Mesa, AZ, Diane C. Norris of Mesa, AZ, Judy L. Julius, and Mark J. Galea (Ruth) of Pepper Pike, OH. Jean is survived by eleven grandchildren: Natasha Norris, Tara Norris, Bobby Norris, Cathy Ryan, Joey Galea, Jillian Steward, John Steward, Javani Paddock, Joli Julius, Tori Galea and Matt Galea and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Jean grew up in the territory of Alaska in Ketchikan and lived there for a good part of her life. She married John Galea on her birthday, June 19, 1959, and together they raised two sons, James, and Mark, and two daughters, Diane, and Judy. They were married for 62 amazing years. Her husband John was with the Forest Service, moving quite often for his job and they lived in Edna Bay, Craig, Sitka, and Seward, Alaska followed by Moscow, Idaho, and Anchorage, Alaska while raising their children. They then lived in Ketchikan, Alaska followed by Lincoln City, Oregon. In 2009, they moved to Coppell, Texas and lived with Mark, Ruth, Tori, and Matt Galea. Following her husband’s passing in 2021, Jean moved with Mark and Ruth Galea to Pepper Pike, Ohio.

Jean was a devoted Christian throughout her life. She also had a long-long passion for all kinds of art and later in life pursued and acquired a bachelor’s degree in the creative arts and teaching. She taught art in various venues including the Pioneer Home and High School in Ketchikan, Alaska. She is remembered for the time and fostering in the arts she spent with her grandchildren who have very fond memories of these shared experiences both among their cousins and with Jean who was (and will always be) known to them as G-mommy or Gabby. She produced several beautiful art works that are cherished by her children and grandchildren and her teachings have influenced a love of the arts in several of her grandchildren. Her love of cats was passed on to many of her children and grandchildren. Jean was known to be an excellent cook who had a particular interest in healthy eating long before it became popular. During her years in Alaska, she was an avid berry-picker and made delicious jellies and jams. She loved to host special dinners for her family and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her loving and loyal husband, John, her father Murdoch (Jack) MacDonald, her mother, Bessie, her brother, Jack, and her sister, Janet.