Jean Louise Livengood Wilson Naish's Obituary
Jean Louise Livengood Wilson Naish died Friday, January 4 after waging a courageous battle against cancer. She would have been 84 years old in February. Jean was one of a kind: mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, interior designer, and friend. She celebrated the gift of life as not many have before her and fewer will after. An artist, dancer, hiker, skier, equestrian, political activist, and student, Jean was a Catholic Christian of profound depth who embraced and welcomed all.
The eldest daughter born to Arthur and Pauline Livengood on February 4, 1929 in McMinnville, OR and older sister of Pat Eckley. Jean married first husband, David A. Wilson Jr. in 1948 and had six sons. She was also the beloved wife of second husband, Robert A. Naish. Jean and Bob were wed in 1983 and through the years, traveled/hiked the Pacific Northwest, parts of Utah, Alaska, Switzerland, and even the Italian Dolomites. Jean and Bob enjoyed life on their Warren acreage where they liked to garden and entertain.
In fact, life with Jean was one party, reunion, dance, hike, and entertainment after another. She couldn’t resist conversation, and never wanted the visit to end. She was a member of the American Society of Interiors Designers. Jean was a graduate of St. Helens High School and Bassist Institute’s School of Design. She also studied at Marylhurst College and was just a few credits shy of earning a Bachelor’s Degree. Jean owned her own business, Jeans Interiors, from 1976 to 2010. An accomplished interior designer, oil painter, and tap dancer, she loved art in all its forms.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents (Arthur and Pauline), and by her youngest son, John. She is survived by her husband, Robert; her sister, Pat; her remaining sons and their families: Douglas (Leslie), Franklin (Marcia), Timothy (Cheri), David Bryan (Wyndee), and Matthew (Rhonda). She was step-mother to Bob’s son Robert R. (Sue), and daughter, Vicki Murray (Perry) who was a loving daughter to Jean. She also leaves behind seventeen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, seven nieces and nephews.
Rosary is scheduled for January 21 at 7:00 PM, at the Columbia Funeral Home, and the Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for January 22 at 11:00 a.m., St. Frederic Catholic Church. Both are in St. Helens.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.columbiafh.com.
Contributions may be made in her memory to the OHSU Hospital Lung Cancer Research or to Legacy Hopewell House Hospice.
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