Jean Marie Hamernik, longtime resident of Oak Harbor, passed away on Jan. 25, 2010, after a short illness. Jean was born in Seattle on Nov. 4, 1924, and was a proud graduate of West Seattle High School. She met and married Joseph Hamernik in Seattle on Dec. 20, 1947 and began a wonderful married life.

As a career Navy wife, Jean spent many years packing and moving the family from San Diego, San Jose, Lemoore, Atsugi, Japan, Virginia Beach, and finally settling in Oak Harbor in 1969. She was an ardent supporter of the boys while they were involved in sports and could be seen in the top row of the bleachers next to the not-so-soft-spoken Joe. She and Dad traveled the world during retirement, visiting parts of the world she thought she would never see. She loved her time here in Oak Harbor and thought of it as her hometown.

In between her travels, she crocheted hundreds of baby booties for family and friends. She was a natural athlete, award winning bowler and golfer (beating her sons on many occasions!). She and Dad loved their long affiliation with the An-O-Chords, and the friendships they brought. The almost daily meeting of the “symposium” group brought immeasurable support to Jean during Joe’s long illness. Joe preceded Jean in death on March 18, 2009. Survivors include sons Lon (Christina), Ken (Peggy), and Joey (Angela), five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

She will be missed by many, and loved by more. To honor our parents’ lives, a celebration will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1050 SE Ireland St., Oak Harbor. Remembrances may be sent to Skagit Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1376, or to the charity of your choice.