Died October 26, 2024
SUTTONS BAY – Jean Ann Grant, 81, of Suttons Bay, passed away Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Effie’s Place in Leland surrounded by her loving family.
Jean was born March 6, 1943, in Lake Leelanau, the daughter of Wallace and Harriet (Plamondon) Drow. She graduated in 1961 from St. Mary School and enjoyed getting together with her classmates often. On May 2, 1964, she married James Arthur Grant of Traverse City at St. Mary’s Church.
As a young woman, Jean served in the role of a military spouse. For 23 years she navigated the constant process of setting up households, adapting to new locations, raising four children, and sometimes being a single parent due to some of Jim’s assignments. When Jim retired from the Air Force, they made their home in Suttons Bay, MI.
Jean had a passion for taking care of children which spanned from Baby Boomers (her siblings) almost all the way to Generation Z (nephew). This led her to work at daycares or when possible, run a small daycare at home. Although not popular when she was younger, Jean was a firm believer that mothers had the right to work outside of home.
Jean enjoyed traveling with Jim and was able to visit almost all 50 states. Her go to vacation spots were Destin, FL and Curtis, MI. Her heart was especially fond of Hawaii and Alaska where the couple took multiple repeat trips throughout their marriage. Jean loved fishing, BINGO, the casinos,andplayingcards. AfterJim’spassing, Jean enjoyed traveling to the Carolinas for extended vacations with her daughters and son. She was an extremely strong woman that was willing to stand up and fight for what she believed in.
Jean is survived by her four children: Carrie (Francis) Whaley, Diane (Steve) VanReenen, Steven (Carrie) Grant, James ( Jennifer) Grant; her siblings: sister-in-law Phyllis Drow, Oscar (Elder) Drow, Elizabeth (Duane) Bardenhagen, Shirley (Dave) Miller, Daniel Drow, Thomas (Delores) Drow, Rose (Wencil) Korson, Greg (Barbara) Drow, Michael (Julie) Drow, Mary (Kenneth) Lautner; thirteen grandchildren; Tiffeny (Brian), Dustin, Kandice (Roger), Sean Michael, Jonathan, Stephanie, Katlyn (Ryan), Alex, Taylor, Dylan (Kelsey), Kaleb, Brendon, Rebekka and great grandchildren: Madison, Sydney, Cole, Blake, Charlotte, Corbin, Addelyn, Raelynn, Presley and unborn great grandchild due in November.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James Grant, brother Robert Drow and sister-in-law Krinne Drow.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be announced in the spring.
Please share condolences with the family at www. martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.
