JEAN ELIZABETH PLEWS

Jean Elizabeth Plews, nee McCorkell, died March 18, 2010, at Good Shepard Hospital in Lake Barrington, IL. She was born May 25, 1921, in Paulsboro, NJ. She received a BS in Nursing from Duke University in 1940. During the war she met her future husband of 35 years, George Montague Plews. After serving on hospital ships that took her all over the Pacific theatre, she returned to Chicago where she married George on Jan. 9, 1946. They moved soon after to Crystal Lake, where she lived the rest of her life. Jean and George had four children. Elizabeth(Robert) Reinhart of St. Paul, MN, Barbara (Price) Branch of Myrtle Beach, SC, George "Corky" (Christine) Plews of Indianapolis, IN, and Margaret (James)Plews-Ogan of Charlottesville, VA. She was the proud "granny" of 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband George in 1981. Jean's kindness and generosity of spirit and commitment to community was an inspiration to all who knew her, Her church, First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake was her spiritual center. She sang in the choir, led search committees, was a member of the chancel guild, served as moderator of the Illinois Conference/Congregational Church, and helped in innumerable other ways, An avid Master Gardener and president of the Crystal Lake Garden Club, a skilled bridge partner, several-time president of the League of Women Voters, a member of the County Mental Health Board, member of the McHenry County Defenders who saved the bog, and a lover of music who took piano lessons and played in recitals until the end of her life, Jean could always be counted on to help with whatever was needed. Fiercely independent and living on her own to the day she died, she will be missed by all who knew her. A great mom, granny and loyal friend, she demanded our best, in her kind and gracious way, and asked no less of herself. The family is grateful to all who helped Jean to continue her vigorous and independent life. A celebration of Jean's life will be held March 23, 2010, at 11 a.m., at the First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake, IL. A reception will follow at the Church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the First Congregational Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.