JEAN WHAN 2/12/1929 – 8/29/22
Jean Audrey (Zumwalt) Whan passed away peacefully at 93 years of age on August 29, 2022.
A lifelong resident of Chico, Jean was born in the original Enloe Hospital on Flume Street, and during her younger years enjoyed exploring Bidwell Park, swimming in the Sycamore (One Mile) Pool and watching the filming of Robin Hood with Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland.
She would skate, ride bikes and play kick-thecan with friends around the family home on 7th Street. She was there with her father on opening day of Shubert’s Ice Cream in 1938, and later worked at the Woolworth’s Soda Fountain scooping ice cream, plus worked in the almond orchards knocking nuts out of the trees.
During World War II, Jean became a Civil Air Patrol cadet and participated in many drives and events to collect materials for the war effort. After she graduated from Chico High School at 17 years of age, she enrolled at Chico State College. There she majored in Physical Education and joined the Delta Zeta sorority. While in college she met the love of her life, Larry. Upon graduation, the two married and became teachers both having obtained their credentials. After two years teaching Kindergarten, Jean stepped away from teaching and focused on raising their family. In all, Jean and Larry were married for 68 years before Larry’s passing in 2018. During their time together, they raised four children: Craig, Steve, Carol and Eric. They went on many camping adventures as a family, and in later years Jean and Larry toured the country with their fifth-wheel trailer, plus traveled to Alaska, Europe and Australia. Jean’s greatest love was her family, especially during the holidays, with large and boisterous family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas. She enjoyed square dancing, reading, golf, and crossword puzzles.
Jean was an active member of Bidwell Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her four children, their spouses, eight grandchildren and three great-grand children.
To send online condolences to the family, go to:
NewtonBracewell.com.