Betty "Jean" Brown-Birkeland

Betty "Jean" BrownBirkeland, 70, beloved wife, mother and grandmother was called to her eternal resting place on November 1, 2017, with her loving husband by her side. She entered this world on January 22, 1947, in Springfield, Missouri, born to Denzil and Betty Bush. She and her husband Dale resided in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

A high school graduate of Ursuline Academy in Kirkwood, MO, Jean went on to continue her education. She received her PhD from the University of Memphis. She was dully certified as a Speech Language Pathologist/ Audiologist & a Nationally Certified Counselor. She was in private practice for many years where she strived to give exceptional quality care to each of her patients. In her practice, Jean was a major team player with multidisciplinary teams. She worked with many types of individuals with speech, language & hearing disorders. Clients ranged from young children to the elderly, including those with cerebral palsy, developmental disabilities, Down’s syndrome, stroke & traumatic brain injury. Although she treated individuals with multiple diagnosis, she was highly intuitive & could look past the diagnosis to the whole person in order to provide the utmost in support. In addition, she was a teacher & mentor and gave numerous presentations on the collaborative approach to treatment at various local, state and national conferences.

Jean was a gifted, loving, kind and generous person who was always thinking about the well-being of others. She was extremely creative and loved knitting, flower pressing, and paper and candle making. She enjoyed being in the sun, especially with her husband on their pontoon boat. Other cherished moments were spending time with her grandchildren. Yoga was also a favorite pasttime which prompted her to become a certified yoga instructor.

Jean is survived by her husband Dale, her son Larry and wife Pauline, and grandchildren Dorothy, Eleanore and William, her mother, five brothers, five sisters, and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her father. Jean lived life in her own special way and will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be planned for a later date.