Jean Kliewer

Grandma profile: #961442

Kliewer, Jean, 88

Dec. 29, 1928-Feb. 05, 2017

What a wonderful and loving life!!

Jean Kliewer was born Dec. 29, 1928 in Cairo, N.Y. to Fred S. and Mary Dulin in the home of her maternal grandmother. The second of five children, she grew up playing with her siblings in the four-corner town of Fly Creek, N.Y. Piano duets with her close, elder sister Marilyn were something she loved and continued for much of her lifetime.

She graduated from Cooperstown High School with honors after lettering in band, playing the clarinet. After two years at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., she then transferred to New York City to finish her degree in nursing at New York Hospital. Continuing her love of nursing, she stayed after graduating to work at that hospital. There she met David, who became her husband of 52 years. They traveled to Boston and on to Seattle while Jean worked as a wife and mother, and David completed a fellowship in Hematology and was later certified in Oncology.

They then moved to Maui, Hawaii for his work at a sugar plantation clinic providing medical care for the cane workers. After experiencing a devastating tsunami and Hawaii's statehood in 1960, they moved to Corvallis, Ore. to be close to David's elderly parents and to assist with their care. Jean spent the next years as a devoted, loving mother raising her three children, Jody, Dave Jr., and Peter. She also completed her Master's in Education from Oregon College of Education, then once her children were grown returning to nursing as a public health nurse for Benton County in Corvallis.

Jean spent her life dedicated to her family, friends and those in need. She and David helped found Benton County Hospice. They also traveled to Nicaragua to provide medical assistance. Their donation of land allowed creation of a new Corvallis City park, as well as development of Habitat for Humanities' Hilltop Village housing project. She especially enjoyed volunteering with Stone Soup, a shelter providing meals to the homeless. Jean was fond of her adventures in cycling, travel, cooking, backpacking, and camping with her family and friends.

She died peacefully from complications of Parkinson's Feb. 5, 2017, surrounded by loving family. In addition to her children she is survived by seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Donations in her memory may be made to Benton County Hospice.