Jean Garver Jack, of Mercer Island, died on April 30 at the age of 89. Mrs. Jack was born on Aug. 22, 1919, in Denver, Colo. She went to Pomona College in Claremont, Calif., where she met her loving husband and lifelong mate, Clyde. They lived together in Long Beach and Claremont, and Portland, Ore. Clyde preceded Mrs. Jack in death, but never left her side. After he died, she moved to Mercer Island to be near the rest of her family.

Mrs. Jack was a homemaker, hostess, storyteller, teacher, traveler and artist. Most of all, she loved people, and they loved her. She never lost her sharp mind and wit.

After teaching elementary school for a dozen years, Mrs. Jack began to explore her passion and talent for art. She first worked to design woven pillows and scarves that she and Clyde would weave on their wooden loom. She then ventured into painting watercolors, where she found a love that no one had expected (especially her). She was fond of painting flowers and landscapes — those things that brought out the color and beauty of the world around her. She painted throughout the last 30 years of her life and has had her work shown in public. She was an active member of the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) while living on the Island since 1994.

Mrs. Jack is survived by two daughters, Barbara Purn, of Edmonds, and Linda Jack (Charles Nishida), of Mercer Island; and grandchildren, Tiffany, Megan, Cameron, Joseph and Jean. She also leaves behind many friends and extended family members who will miss her warm smile, genuine interest in them, humor and unconditional love. A memorial celebration of her life was held at the Congregational Church on Mercer Island. Remembrances are suggested to MIVAL or the Arthritis Foundation.