Jean Welke Horsfall

Jean Lucille Welke Horsfall passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, at the age of 93 in Bellevue, WA. Born on April 25, 1931, in Seattle, Jean lived a life rich with curiosity, creativity, and love for those around her.

A graduate of Garfield High School, Jean went on to pursue higher education at the University of Michigan before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Music, with a minor in Art History, from the University of Washington. Her passion for learning never waned, and she continued to explore new interests and knowledge throughout her life.

Jean's love for the arts was a central theme in her life. She was a member of the Seattle Flute Society and a devoted patron of the Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Symphony, and local theater. Her deep appreciation for beauty extended beyond music to her garden, where she nurtured both plants and her soul as a certified Master Gardener.

Beyond her many talents and interests, Jean will be remembered for her sharp wit, kind heart, and profound wisdom. Her love of reading and travel broadened her perspective, and she brought this wealth of knowledge to her community, enriching the lives of all who knew her.

She is survived by her family; husband, John; her children, Michael (Jonalyn), Kenneth (Barbie), Cynthia, and Carolyn (Cindy Mix); her grandchildren, Rian (Andy), Haley (Swan), Sarah, and El (Tucker); and great-grandchildren Drew and Dylan Otto; and her sister, Patricia (Al). Jean's presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, intelligence, and joy will continue to resonate in the lives of her family and friends.

A celebration of Jean's life will be held at the First Congregational Church of Bellevue, 11061 NE 2nd St, Bellevue, WA 98004. The service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. If able, please wear bright colors. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the church's Music Program.

Jean's life was full of humor, kindness, and joy-and her memory will forever be a source of inspiration and comfort to all who were fortunate to know her.