Surrounded by family, Jean Wallace passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on August 14, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Bruce Wallace, who passed away in 1997.
Jean is survived by her 9 children: Scott Wallace (Sue), Sally Drake (Don), Lisa Grant (Dave), Debbie Robbins (Carl), Tina Ammann (Beat), Barbara Kush (Nick), Cindy Amrhein (Bruce), John Wallace, and Victoria Pettit (Chris), 21 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
Born in West Orange, New Jersey, Jean moved to Arizona with Bruce in 1953 and never wanted to live anywhere else. She converted to Catholicism in 1957 and was actively involved in the school activities of her children at St. Francis Xavier Elementary, Xavier College Prep, and Brophy College Prep. She also volunteered in the St. Francis Marian Shop for many years.
Everyone who knew Jean loved her for her kind spirit, sharp wit, and genuine concern for others. She was a very generous person and supported many organizations and causes without regard for personal recognition.
Hers was truly a life well lived, and her family and friends will miss her dearly.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 9:00 A.M. in the Brophy College Prep Chapel, 4701 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.
Jean’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, you consider a donation in Jean’s name to either the Kino Border Initiative @kinoborderinitiative.org or St Vincent de Paul @stvincentdepaul.net.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Robyn Wallace Howell
Jean was my Aunt Jean. She had a special way of taking care of people and taking care of business. I associate Jean with “rescuing” my family of Wallace’s throughout my childhood and teen years. After my parents divorced, my family consisted of my Mom and 5 young children. I was the second oldest at the time, and was in 3rd grade. My Mom had mental illnesses which caused hospitalizations. It was Bruce and Jean who made sure we were taken care of, emotionally and finacially.
They allowed my family to thrive by their concern and generosity. When my Mom died suddenly at age 52, from a brain hemmorage, it was Jean who came to the ER to help in any way she could.
I honor Jean for her capacity to love freely and enjoy life. Her love has been reciprocal from all her 9 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. My husband, Mike, and I visited her last in December 2019, just before the pandemic. She was vibrant, witty, and so proud of her family.
She is in heaven now and we all have an Angel Aunt Jean.
Thank you for letting me share my thoughts as I now can think of my Mom, Mayno Wallace and Jean as my angels.
Kathie Nickas
What a wonderful friend Jean was !
As the cofounder of a large fanily, Jean had many funny experiences. And her peers loved hearing “a Jean story”.
I well remeber them with joy. I will retell them to those who loved her when we are together, but it won’t be the same.
Because Jean-with her excellent,deprcating sense of humor was sooo god at telling stories on herself!
BTW- She had snowy white hair-softly curled-,wore bright colors, and a warm smile.And was prettier than her picture.
Save me a spot ,Jean.
Nancy and Harv Shaler
I loved my Aunt Jean. She lived a long fulfilling life.
I never knew she had converted to Catholicism, but she practiced a selflessness of a true Christian. I am happy she is with my uncle Bruce in heaven, with my Mom and Dad.
I know the kids will miss her terribly but she will never be far away in spirit.
We send our love and compassion to all the kids, grandkids and Greatgrandkids.
Nancy and Harv Shaler
(Nancy Wallace)
Eric and Becky Nutt
Dear Deborah, Valerie, and Beth ~
Although we never met Jean, I remember well just how much your mother/grandmother meant to you after hearing your many stories of her. Never was a lady so well loved! Please accept Eric’s and my condolences on her passing, and may all the wonderful memories you share of her never fade.
Diane and Bob Fessler
Lisa and Dave,
Knowing Jean from the Marian Shop, it is hard to think of her without including Helen. Knowing them and hearing stories about the wonderful large families they shared, is still heartwarming. Blessings to you and all the family.
Diane and Bob Fessler