Jean Brown
Feb. 2, 1955 – Feb. 19, 2014
Jean Brown Schooley, 59, died in her sleep at her home in Alameda after a valiant nine-month battle with malignant, metastatic melanoma. Jean Brown lived with her older sister, Betsy Schooley, since moving to Alameda in May 2012. She was born and raised in Champaign- Urbana, Ill. JB spent her adult life in Soldotna and Kenai, Alaska, where she taught school, home-schooled her children and helped manage the family’s surveying business.
A true Alaskan in spirit and constitution, Jean Brown spent many hours carrying rebar and other heavy equipment long distances and standing in the Alaskan wilderness while surveying land for the company. Jean Brown’s parents were Frank and Eleanor Schooley, (deceased) long-time Champaign civic leaders.
She is survived by her three children, Caleb of Eugene, Ore.; Gavin of Tucson; and Sinead of Kenai, Alaska. Jean Brown is also survived by her older five siblings, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. On Jean’s behalf, Betsy wishes to thank her wonderful caregivers, Jessie Thompson, Verna Smith, and Pathways Hospice, as well as caring neighbors Teresa Perata, Lindy Morgan, Lou Salerno, and Sandie Manzo for sharing their love with Jean Brown. Jean Brown donated her body to science. There will be no services.