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Jean Berkey Obituary
Senator Jean Berkey, beloved wife, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home near Deception Pass early on August 21, 2013. Jean was born on August 22, 1938 in Loma Linda, California to Ethel and Howard Haskell. Jean was married to Donald Berkey on December 27, 1969.
She is survived by her husband; sister, Joan Hofer and her husband, George of Carefree, Arizona; and sister, Jill Fergison andher husband, Ryan of Escondido, California.
Jean moved to Everett as a young girl when her father accepted a teaching position at Everett Community College and lived in Everett until 2011 when she moved to a new home near Deception Pass. She graduated from Everett High School and Everett Community College before being employed at General Telephone Company. She later attended the University of Washington after receiving the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Founders scholarship and received a BA in Business Administration in 1974.
Senator Berkey was active in her Union and in Democratic politics beginning with her first job at General Telephone. She worked as a political Campaign Manager for many candidates and then served the Everett and Marysville area in the State Legislature for 10 years. She was very thankful to be able to help her favorite institution, Everett Community College, serving as a College Trustee and then as both a Member of the House of Representatives and a Senator. Senator Berkey actively participated in many other organizations and served on the Everett Civil Service Commission, United Way Board of Directors, Everett Senior Center Foundation Board, and the Everett Medic One Foundation Board.
She enjoyed her retirement collecting beach glass, agates, and serving her guests BBQ oysters from her small oyster farm on the beach.
A Memorial Service honoring Senator Berkey will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 2 p.m. in the Weyerhaeuser Room at the Everett Station on Smith Avenue at 32nd Street.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jean Berkey
Ralph & Linda Mackey
September 11, 2013
Fond memories remain in our heart.
Sherry Keesecker
September 10, 2013
What a beautiful and gracious lady. Thank you for coming to the reunions so we could learn to know Jean. My love and sympathy to you and family.
September 4, 2013
Very few people have had the influence and positive impact on my life as Jean. Jean was an honest friend and mentor. Don, you and Jean mean a great deal to our family and we hold you in our hearts. The Drewels
Christine Kerlin
September 3, 2013
Jean was a helpful and supportive Senator when EvCC responded to the Legislature's call for EvCC to develop and strengthen the University Center. I enjoyed her sense of humor and admired her commitment to public service.
Larry O'Donnell
September 3, 2013
I was saddened to read of Jean's passing. She was a class lady who did so much for this community and state. She will be missed.
Dennis Barci
August 31, 2013
Donald,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have a great deal of admiration for Jean. I was fortunate to have her as a mentor. I will always remember her giggle. Sincere sympathy to you and Jean's family.
August 28, 2013
Jean was a wonderful lady, legislator and a friend. WE are sorry we will be out of town on the day of her memorial. We do send our sincere sympathy to Don and her family. Gary & Donna Wright
Debbie Regala
August 27, 2013
I enjoyed serving in the Legisalture with Jean. She was always gracious and she worked hard to make decisions that served both her constituents and the state as a whole.
My sincere sympathies and prayers.
Mark Schinman
August 27, 2013
A wonderful person who did a lot for us all.
Verlin and Ella Gingerich
August 27, 2013
Jean was a good friend, fun to be around, intelligent, interested in so many aspects of life. Even though our visits were too few and far between we will surely miss her.
Our love and condolences to Don and the family.
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