Jean Gwendolyn Dummel

Jean passed away on April 13, 2021 at age 97 at home surrounded by her family. Being a Mom to Paul and Francean was her greatest joy. She had great love for her daughter-in-law Carol and son-in-law Chuck who enriched her life in so many ways. She adored her granddaughter Megan and they had a deep bond. Grandson-in-law Jason lovingly helped her in so many ways. And her three great-grandsons, Talyn, Ronan and Zander, added so much fun and love to her life.

Jean (aka Betty Jean) was born in Los Angeles, an 8th generation Californian. She graduated from Ben Franklin High in 1942. She moved to San Francisco when she was 19 and lived the rest of her life in the bay area. While working at the American Can Co., Jean met her husband Frank “Bud” Dummel. They moved to Redwood City in 1952. Jean spent many years working as a bookkeeper and secretary in the real estate business. At age 62 she donated a kidney to her son, Paul. The 97 year old kidney is still going strong. After retirement she devoted her time to after school care of her granddaughter, taking her to ballet and music classes and out to lunch. She dearly loved her family and family gatherings, although she seldom cooked for them.

Jean not only raised her own children but became a beloved second mom to many of their friends. She never looked or acted her age and was frequently the life of the party. She got along with all age groups. A kind person, a care giver, a dispenser of love best describes her. Her only swear words were

“oh sugar beets”. She was always interested in you and then worried about you. She was a voracious list maker. She was called the little general, due to her short stature and firm belief that she was always right.

Jean loved going to the ocean and riding in hot air balloons. She loved reading, especially murder mysteries with cats, and watching HGTV. She loved carousels, Hummels, kites, shoes and lots of clocks. Jean loved her time at Enchanted Valley in Santa Cruz with Armand Noto and all the friends there, especially Gene and Lori Fields. She loved trips to Hawaii and Napa. And she loved champagne and brandy manhattans, especially at lunch with her daughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years Frank Dummel, her loving companion of her later years Armand Noto, and her sister Shirley Curtis. She will be missed beyond words by her daughter Francean Rible (Chuck), her son Paul Dummel (Carol Jordan), granddaughter Megan Mendelson (Jason), her great-grandsons, her dear cousin Susanna Kerstein (Bob), family members of the heart Lois, Cristina and Debbie, and cherished friend Cecy.

Special thanks to Nati, Claudia, Lina and Sharon for lovingly caring for Jean. Thanks also to Honor Home Care and Mission Hospice for their invaluable help. And no one cared for Jean more patiently and tenderly this past year than her son Paul. There will be no funeral services per Jean’s wishes.