Jean Ann Garrett

Jean Garrett Obituary

Jean Ann Garrett passed away on October 2, 2010 at home in Palm Desert, surrounded by her loving family. She always loved the view of the mountains from her condo and was able to remain at home to enjoy it until the very end. Jean was born to Donald Donovan and Donna Lane Donovan on January 1, 1933 in Independence, Iowa. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines in 1951. In 1953, Jean married John Timmins with whom she had four daughters. They divorced in 1959. After completing nursing school, Jean worked at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Jean and the girls later moved to California, where she met and married Bill Garrett and with him had a son. Jean worked at Desert Hospital as a pediatric nurse until 1977, when she began her 26 year career working for pediatrician, Dr. Alan Coit. It seemed that, over the years, wherever she went, including camping at Folsom Lake and on her retirement trip to Hawaii, she would run into families of patients that knew and loved her. She is survived by her loving companion of 20 years, Akbar Firouzabadi; her five children: Lani Krause (Bob), Theresa Timmins, Linda Yazzolino (David), Lori Gagnon (Del) and Peter Garrett (Mari); twelve grandchildren: Alex and Richie Krause, Nicole Babkow (Adam), Joey, Jessica, Tony and Dominic Yazzolino, Milan, Adam and Annabelle Gagnon, Gina Marotta (Alex), Jennifer Wong (Barry); and four great-grand-children: Amniel Babkow, baby Ember Babkow (due November 15th), Emily and Justin Wong. She is also survived by her brothers, Pat Donovan (Peg) and Jerry Donovan (Darlene); six nephews and nieces and a wonderful extended family in Iowa. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Donovan and Donna Wardell; step-father Harry Wardell and her sister, Mary-Lou Donovan. Our family would like to express our deepest appreciation to Jean's niece, Cris Fettig for all of the love, comfort and nursing assistance that she provided during Jean's final days. Additionally we would like to thank Family Hospice of the Desert for their care, compassion and support. An online photo gallery of Jeans life will be available at: inloving memoryofjeangarrett.com In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jean's name can be made to Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, Desert Cancer Society or Saint Margarets Outreach Center.

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Published by The Desert Sun from Oct. 16 to Oct. 21, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Garrett

15 Entries

Lillian Schuller

October 10, 2024

Hi,Darlin´. Remembering those wonderful sunsets on the back deck of. Your beloved Condo And.....those wonderful Margaritas. How you LOVED the chocolate peanut butter cups, our hikes up to the mountain Cross and ALWAYS the love you and Len and I shared. I´m still here,Love. I´m 94 now and still doing good. Sending so much love. Lillian

Xenia Schuller

October 25, 2010

In loving memory of Jean Garrett. May her soul always shine bright.

October 24, 2010

I am very sad to hear of Jean's death. I worked with her and Dr. Coit for 11 years. She was the kindest person I know. She was always so cheery and positive. Jean could make a hut on a lonely island a castle. She was a loving, caring, giving, understanding person. As far as I am concerned she still is all of these. She may no longer be on earth with living people but she will always be in a safe happy place, and will always be in my heart. My love to her family and close friends for there loss. Jean and Akbar were very lucky to have eachother.
Her loving friend always,
Xenia

October 23, 2010

Lani, I didn't know your mom died--so sorry honey. We all loved her so much and she will be in our hearts forever. Tough times for sure. love you xo susan

October 22, 2010

She had the most beautiful long hair. She always had a kind word and great smile. She will be missed by all up here at the Villas. Our hearts go out to the family. Sincerely, Sarah and Andrea

Len &Lil & Xenia Schuller

October 22, 2010

Shalom,dear,darling buddy. We got the little stones you requested from our trip to the Red Sea,Sea of Galilee,Jordan River and Dead Sea/We'll hike them up the mt. you so loved. You're gonna wait awhile before you see us but, get them Margaritas ready when we show up. Love you always,precious friend. Yep, thanks for being with us on our journey to Egypt,Jordon and Israel..(albeit, in spirit)Great place to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary. Ciao,Darlin' Lil and Len
(and Xenia)

ashley morgan

October 20, 2010

we are sorry for your lost she was wonderful person God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow
love
tom ,cindy, erik and ashey wardell

Heather Herauf-Oster

October 18, 2010

Jean was one of the mom's who raised me and she will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm so sorry for the families loss.

Ryan Rivera

October 17, 2010

I would just like to say I always new her for being one of my friend's coolest, smartest, calmest, and probably BEST MOMS. She was always so kind, an incredible lady that will always be missed.
Condolences to the family, especially Pete.
Ryan Rivera

Ryan Rivera

October 17, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Leann Yazzolino

October 16, 2010

I remember (Linda's mom) as always being so "cool". She never got mad, was always mellow, and I knew that I would never be judged by her. When an occasion would come up and we would all get together, I was never nervous or afraid, because Linda's mom would be there, so I knew that everything would be ok. She was a very special lady and will be missed by all who knew her.

Hope Cross

October 16, 2010

Jean was such a wonderful person, she was always there to help when the boys and I came into Dr. Coit's office. They always looked for Jean if she was not at the counter, I am sure she spoiled each of her patients in the same way. Her many years of friendship will be missed.

chrissy wiczek

October 16, 2010

Jean was the nurse at the office of Dr. Coit. She had such a warn healing hand. She had a peace about her that always made us feel at ease. We will remember her with love. Sad times. My heart goes out to her family who will be without her .

Teresa Jarrett

October 16, 2010

Jean was a wonderful asset to Dr. Coit. She always reassured me when my children were ill-she was the wise woman you could call when you had a question. I'll never forget how she and Dr.Coit wrangled my kids as they tried to escape their innoculations-choreographed it unison-escape thrwarted and mission accomplished in seconds! I had the luck years later to meet up with Jean at the local supermarket and she was happy to be remembered and said she was lucky because she had so many former patients that remembered her. With a class act like Jean, how could one forget.

October 16, 2010

A celebration of Jean's life is currently being planned for late December. Please check this guest book and inlovingmemoryofjeangarrett.com for further details.

Her loving family

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