Jean Adele Nuttall

1934 - 2017

Jean Adele Nuttall
1934 - 2017
Jean Adele Nuttall, 83, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2017 at her family home in San Diego, California, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Born and raised on a wheat farm in Taber, Alberta, Jean's never-ending quest for adventure soon led her on an amazing journey throughout the world.
Working for Air Canada, Jean left Taber for the excitement of San Francisco, California, where she met a young engineer who quickly became the love of her life. Gerald Nuttall worked for Morrison Knudsen International and soon after their marriage in 1958, they started their international adventure when Jerry was assigned as a civil engineer on the magnificent Shimen Dam in Northern Taiwan. Far from home, Jean adapted like a pro and flourished in the new cultural experience. She established deep rooted friendships within the MKI community and she loved the beauty and warmth of the Taiwanese people. Jean and Jerry also started their own family in Taiwan with the birth of their sons Curtis and Robert.
After completion of Shimen in 1964, Jean and Jerry lived the "MKI lifestyle" based from the company headquarters in Boise, Idaho and moving from job to job in numerous exotic locations including the beautiful Snowy River area of New South Wales, Australia, the rugged outback of Western Australia, and the tropical garden city of Singapore. In 1978 Jerry was promoted to a corporate position at the headquarters in Boise where they retired in 1987.
At each location, Jean shrugged off the inevitable hardships of construction life and she was unshakable as a loving wife, mother and friend to everyone in the MKI community. The family home was always filled with love and laughter, she thoroughly enjoyed hosting dinners and cocktail parties and everyone was equally welcome - from the youngest construction apprentice to the most senior of visiting VIPs. Their retirement in Boise was a reunion of their extended MKI family and Jean thoroughly enjoyed socializing with her wonderful friends and family. She also enjoyed traveling, fishing, golfing, playing bridge, and Boise State Bronco parties.
Beloved wife of Gerald Nuttall, mother of Curtis and Isabel Nuttall of Anchorage, Alaska, and Robert and Gina Nuttall of San Diego, California, grandmother of Mathew Nuttall of Anchorage, Alaska, Sarah and Brandon Nuttall of San Diego, California, sisters Marion King of Calgary, Alberta, and Nora Hadley of Edmonton, Alberta, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jean was also much loved by her extended Nuttall family in Wisconsin and her treasured friends in Boise and around the world. She will be truly missed by all who knew her and loved her.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents Melvin and Helen Gilbertson of Taber, Alberta, and her brother Harold Gilbertson of Taber, Alberta.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to all of the wonderful people who were involved in Jean's home care during the last few years: doctors, nurses, caregivers, therapists, and special friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity. Jean was especially supportive of the Idaho Youth Ranch.