Jean MacDermid

April 24, 1940 - March 7, 2024

Jean Kyle MacDermid (nee Wilkinson) passed away on March 7, 2024, in San Francisco, Calif., at the age of 83. She was born on April 24, 1940, in Summit, N.J.

Jean was a force of nature, an avid traveler, a loyal friend, and an amazing cook. Her chocolate chip cookies were a panacea for all ills and she shared them with abandon.

After studying at the Sorbonne, graduating from Columbia University with a degree in Art History, and marrying the love of her life a mere six weeks after their first date, Jean dedicated herself to raising her adored children in a house filled with laughter, unconditional love, and of course, chocolate chip cookies. She ran her own businesses, specializing in flower arrangements and bridal veils, was a docent at the Asian Art Museum, and housed multiple Merola opera singers.

Second to her family, Jean loved all dogs, and was a treat-giving heroine to Fanny, Bear, Casey, Beau, Cinqui, and Stella.

Jean is survived by her loving husband, Lindsay; daughter, Jessica; son, Wally; daughter-in-law, Ellen; grandsons, Malcolm and Calum; and poodle, Stella.

Jean will be interred at the Grace Cathedral Columbarium, where she will forever be surrounded by joyful music. Her family has elected not to have a large, public service.

Her family will miss her dearly, but her impact on all of us lives on.

If you would like to make a gift in memory of Jean, please send checks made out to the Asian Art Museum to the Development Department, Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, Calif. 94102. Include “In memory of Jean MacDermid”, on the memo line.