Jean Birdsall Obituary


JEAN BIRDSALL
November 6, 1929 ~ July 6, 2016

Jean Birdsall, 86, of Vancouver, Washington, wife of Virgil Birdsall to whom she was married for sixty-six years, passed away on July 6, 2016. The daughter of James Pearson of North Ireland and Jean Davies of Scotland, Harriet Friese took over as parent when Jean's mother died when Jean was seven. Born in Oakland, California in 1929, she was reared in San Francisco and graduated from Lincoln High School. Jean studied at San Francisco State and Clark College where she taught a class on running a bed and breakfast.
She left secretarial work to accept an offer to turn around a book store in San Rafael, California which would thrive under her hand. Seeking a new challenge, she elected to join Virgil in opening a bed and breakfast in the Sierra foothills near Yosemite. With her inspired guidance, Jameson's Bed and Breakfast received rave notices in the Bay Area papers and recognition in national bed and breakfast books.
In her long struggle with Alzheimer's,
Jean maintained her humor, her love of family, friends,
and neighbors, whose compassion helped sustain her.
A passionate champion of the underdog, Jean was for years a volunteer at Neighbors Helping Neighbors , a food bank serving northern Clark County, and a supporter of numerous humanistic and environmental causes. She was a longtime member of the Sierra Club and of the No Name Hiking Club and was happiest on a trail in the company of her friends and Virgil.
Jean is survived by husband, Virgil; daughters, Virginia Sharma of New York and Leslie McLeod of Columbus Township, Michigan; sister, Patricia Kipp; and loving and loved nieces and nephews.
Besides her courage and humor, wonderful helpers, Shanti Potts and Opal Swanson with their support group, the No Name hikers, Edgetree residents who "retrieved" her, and Codruta Ailinchi and Victoria Birol of Quality Care, all of whom helped Jean and Virgil over the rough spots.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Jul. 10, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

I must say, I miss visiting Jean and Virg. I miss Virg's letters and humor, and the wonderful things Jean for him.

Linda Newton

Teacher

July 4, 2019

Jean along with Virg have been family friends for more than four decades and we will always remember the wonderful times that we shared in Peru in 1974 and on numerous occasions. Thanks for your humor and the camaraderie established over the years. We extend our very best wishes to Virg in this difficult time. RIP, Jean.

August 2, 2016

Dear Jean,my special friend, I will miss you. I have so many good memories of you and your family. May you rest in God's loving arms.

Rita Freeman

July 16, 2016

I remember Jean being a gracious host in Virg and her homes in Marin, Sonora and Vancouver. There was always a tasty dinner or dessert! She was a wonderful wife for Virg. Ever practical, she got Virg involved in Sierra Club in Vancouver--something they both enjoyed thoroughly. May all the memories be a blessing.

Linda Newton

July 15, 2016

Aunt Jean - you were a wonderful aunt. You will always be in my heart & a part of who I am. I will always cherish the memories of all the time I spent with you & Uncle Virg -in Fairfax, CA, in Sonora, CA, in Vancouver, WA, and on our various family trips/get-togethers. You are & always will be an angel to me.

Rest in Peace Aunt Jean!
Love (your niece), Sharon

Sharon Kipp

July 12, 2016

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