Nellontean “Tean” Voiland died Jan. 20, 2009, at Sylvia’s Adult Family Home, Coupeville, at the age of 84. She was born Jan. 16, 1925, in Russellville, Ky., to Chester and Nannie Gass. She was the middle child of three daughters. Tean spent most of her adult life in Russellville. She was married to Harold Jameson. Tean graduated from Business University in Bowling Green, Ky.

Having survived her entire immediate family, Tean was considered the “matriarch” of the family. She was “Mama Tean” to many a teenager who felt safe and loved in her home.

Tean came to Whidbey Island in 1978 and quickly made Coupeville her home by volunteering for many organizations. She was a charter member of Soroptimist International of Coupeville, a member of Coupeville United Methodist Church and a life member of Beta Sigma Phi.

Tean worked for the very first Home Health program, before it became a part of Whidbey General Hospital. In August of 1982, she went to work as office manager for Dr. Wylie Vracin, who she dearly loved. She remained with Dr. Vracin until her retirement. She was married to Richard F. “Dick” Voiland in Coupeville on May 28, 1983.

Tean is survived by her son Jack Jameson of Bowling Green; daughter and son-in-law, Carmen and Jack McFadyen of Coupeville; grandchildren Aleshia (Eric) Mitten of Coupeville, Jason (Erica) McFadyen of Oak Harbor, Jennifer (Jeff) Freeman of Bowling Green, Sherrie Jameson of Houston, and Narisa Dudonsky of Houston; 10 great grandchildren, two nieces and one nephew also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband Harold Jameson, two sisters and the “love of her life” Dick Voiland.

Tean requested no flowers please. Because of her love of cooking, the family suggests memorials to Soroptimist International of Coupeville, P.O. Box 573, Coupeville 98239, for a scholarship for a student who wishes to attend a culinary art program.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Lou (Myrna) and Jimma of Sylvia’s Adult Family Home and The Son Shine House for Tean’s loving care these past nine years. The staff of Whidbey General Hospital and Home Health/Hospice is an amazing group of people. Thank you for your care of a very special lady.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Coupeville United Methodist Church with Pastor Jin Ming Ma officiating. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.