Jean (Parkinson) Carey

Jean Parkinson Carey, age 95, of Nisswa, passed from her earthly life into the arms of the Savior she loved on June 11, 2022.

Born in Taunton, Massachusetts, Jean was the youngest child of Herman Owen Parkinson and Constance Dyer Parkinson. She attended High School in White Plains, New York and met her future husband, Dick Carey while singing in the choir at Church of the Highlands. Jean spent her college years at Wooster College in Ohio, graduating in June 1949 with majors in Art and Latin. Jean and Dick were married Dec. 26, 1949. Dick’s jobs with the YMCA resulted in a series of moves over the years but they stayed long enough in Davenport, Iowa to have four children. From there they moved to West Field, New Jersey, Edina, Minnesota, Roseville, Minnesota and finally, Pierre, South Dakota. Jean and Dick then retired to their version of paradise on Clark Lake in Nisswa.

Jean was a long-time member of Lakewood Church in Baxter where she enjoyed singing in the choir and teaching Bible study and Sunday school. She was an 89-year member of the Mayflower Society (her parents enrolled her at age 6!), a member of PEO, and an active member of the Brainerd YMCA where she participated in aquacise faithfully into her 90's. Jean paddled her new kayak at age 93 and went swimming in Clark Lake last summer. She loved spending time with her grandchildren (and they with her), attending sporting events, concerts, graduations, and weddings. Jean faithfully sent birthday cards to her family and was a prolific letter writer. She attempted, unsuccessfully, to master the use of the computer and cell phone but did not allow that to hinder her.

Jean is survived by her children, Christine Trampel, Cliff (Carol) Carey, Steve (Jody) Carey, and Paul (Mary) Carey; sisters-in-law, Beverly Carey and Ann Parkinson; 12 nieces and nephews; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents brother, sister, husband, 2 brothers in law, one sister-in-law, one niece, her son in law, and one granddaughter. Jean had a long life and a short decline.

She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Memorial service will be held at Lakewood Church in Baxter at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022. Memorials can be made to Lakewood Church or the Brainerd YMCA. 

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