Jean Wright

1936 - 2026

Jean Wright

Jan 26, 1936 - Mar 1, 2026

Jean Marie (Cahalan) Wright passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026 after a long and beautiful life rooted in family, faith, and the community she treasured.

Jean was born January 26, 1936, in Mason City, Iowa, to George Cahalan and Hazel Moon, as their youngest of six and only daughter. She grew up in a close knit family with her five older brothers and their families nearby. At the age of 16, Jean began her first job at Birdsall's ice cream. Jean graduated from St. Joseph's Catholic School in 1954. Following her graduation she worked for Iowa Hardware Mutual.

In late 1956, she met Jim Wright, and their love for each other grew quickly and deeply. On February 9th of the next year Jim proposed during a date at their favorite restaurant, the Northwest Steakhouse. They were married at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on October 5, 1957.

Together, they raised six children: Scot, Nancy, Mark, Tracy, Brad, and Amy. Their family grew to include 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, each of whom she absolutely adored.

While raising her children, Jean also volunteered with civic, school and church organizations including her local sorority chapter, the Salvation Army, and Music Man Square. Jean owned and operated The Hall Tree, a women's clothing boutique in the Willowbrook Mall. She was active in bowling leagues and rarely passed up the opportunity to play cards with her various bridge groups. One of her favorite hobbies was needlepoint. She especially enjoyed making Christmas stockings for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jean was one to bring family and friends together, no matter the occasion. A gathering at the Wright house was never without enjoying her famous scrabble and sharing laughter. She was the heart of the family and the glue that connected her friends across generations and geographies. She and Jim took many trips across the U.S. over the years. At first they were to take in different parts of the country, and then they were to attend many birthdays, graduations, and weddings for family and friends. She was someone who always showed up, and her presence made every event more special.

She now joins her parents, brothers, and her beloved husband, Jim, in eternal rest. She leaves behind her children, Scot (Pat Wright), Nancy Broderick (Dan), Mark (Ann Marie Monahan), Tracy Schofield (Bernie), Brad (Brenda Feit), and Amy Koch (Doug) and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her fun and uplifting spirit, her kindness and sense of humor, and her unwavering love, support and faith.

Rest in peace, Jean Marie.

Your love remains our constant, and your memory our blessing.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Epiphany Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church. 302 5th St SE, Mason City, with Rev. David O'Connor as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Elmwood St Joseph Cemetery, Mason City. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service beginning at 9 a.m.

Memorials can be made to Newman Catholic Foundation.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel

126 3rd St NE Mason City, IA 50401

641-423-2372