Jean M. Spade

Jean Maxine Spade, 92 of Elkhart, IN. passed away March 27, 2014, at Eastlake Terrace.

She was born February 10, 1922, in Union, MI. to Frank and Lelia C. (Reynolds) Swartzell.

Jean graduated from Elkhart High School in 1939.

She married William J. Spade on September 28, 1940, in Elkhart, IN. They have lived here their entire lives.

In addition to her husband, she leaves to cherish her loving memory one son, William C. (Ellen) Spade of Oslo, Norway; three grandchildren, Erik (Elisabeth), Lynn (Anne), and Kent (Pia), and eight great-grandchildren also living in Norway.

Her parents, one sister and four brothers preceded her in death.

Mrs. Spade retired from Midwest Commerce Bank where she was in charge of the Safety Deposit Department. Previous to that she served as head teller at St. Joseph Valley Bank. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene where she served as president of the Women’s Missionary Society, in addition to being financial secretary and board member of the church for many years. Jean sang in the choir and was often used as a soprano soloist in many churches in the community. She enjoyed music, water sports, biking, and was an exceptionally good seamstress and cook. Mrs. Spade loved to travel and enjoyed many trips with her husband through Scandinavia and northern Europe. Her greatest attribute was that she never said a negative word about others. The smile on her face melted the ice of many hearts.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Wednesday, April 9 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11 am Thursday, April 10 at First Presbyterian Church, Elkhart, with Rev. William Scott, Lafayette, officiating. Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Harbor Light Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.