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Jeanne Shirley Wright
1925 - 2010
Jeanne Shirley Wright
1925 - 2010
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Jeanne Wright Obituary
Following high school graduation in 1942, Jeanne worked for Eastman Kodak and earned a degree in industrial chemistry in New York.
She joined the Marine Corps in 1944, passing as two years older to enroll; after discharge as a corporal in 1946, she served in Aviation Women's Reserves until 1953. She attended Columbia University and completed a bachelor's degree at McGill University.
Coming to Alaska in 1947, Jeanne made friends all across the territory as a Wien Airlines stewardess and as a ticket agent in Pan Am's Fairbanks office.
Jeanne married Alfred Wright on Oct. 1, 1966. They melded many interests operating Al Wright Air Service, Wright Alaskan Travel and several hunting and fishing camps. She and Al enjoyed travels around the world, including the United States, Russia, Africa, South America, Scandinavia and Germany. Al recalls a late night in a Copenhagen train station, with no rooms available. A tiny lady took them to her B&B. Climbing steep stairs to the third story, they shared a cozy room with deep feather beds and a bottle of wine. In New Delhi, their airplane landed amid gunfire - as it turned out, a 21-gun salute for Tito. They went by cab the long distance to the Taj Mahal.
Jeanne loved each day, had a smile and words of kindness for everyone, kept in touch with friends and family and faced all challenges with indomitable zest for life.
Happy days came at moose camp in Minto Swamps and fish camp on the Yukon. She cooked, organized and welcomed all. In 1972, Jeanne and Al built a house in the Kona hills, spending many winters there. Adding to Alaska moose, salmon and Jeanne's garden vegetables, they grew Hawaiian foods and caught other fish to complete their subsistence diet.
Jeanne leaves her beloved husband, Al: her son and daughterin- law, Jack and Heidi Wright; grandsons, Franc and Alfred Jack; daughter, Cathy Wright, grandchildren Brook Schacht (Juanita); Susan (Greg) Sherwood, Monday (Beau) Schacht, Summer (Matt) Appleton, Chrystal (Chad) Richardson, BJ (Veronica) Alo, Jesse Emsley, Jason Emsley and Jamie Emsley (Jerry); 14 great-grandchildren; granddaughter, Chelsea (Nick) and great-grandson; brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Jean Sworts of Fairbanks, niece Lisa (Tom) Sawyer and Joshua (Emilee), Justin (Khelsea) and Jordan; nephew, Bradley (Lori), and Kirsten and Tobin; brother, David Sworts (Helen) of Dundee; nephews John and Hank (Beverly); niece Barb (Herb); foster daughter, Sherry Modrow (Brian Rogers); godsons, Christopher (Maggie) and Tracy; Al's brothers, Gareth (Miranda), Jules and Don; Marge Kushida; many nieces, nephews and their families; and devoted friends.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents; and daughter, Janet Wright of Kennewick, Wash.
Following Jeanne's wishes, the family will celebrate her life in the spring when flowers are blooming and birds are singing.
Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
5 Entries
Jessica Wright
September 30, 2012
I didnt know her or get the chance I am the granddaughter or Arthur Wright. I am sorry to here of her passing but from what I have read I would have loved to meet her. To the family I am just know finding may you find peace.
Andy Bachner
January 6, 2011
Dear Al,
I recently returned from an extended trip to Asia and learned of Jeanne's passing.
Jeanne was a very special person and a very gracious lady. I always enjoyed her friendship and tried to remember you both when rainbow fishing.
I remember a very beautiful 4th of July with you and your friend on rainbow lake in the Helio and how impressed I was that the five of you were able to take off from such a small lake. Many years have passed since then, but I always remember that 4th, when I land there.
Jeanne will be missed,
Sincerely,
Andy
Jim & Letha ONeill
November 3, 2010
Flying West
I hope there's a place, way up in the sky
Where pilots can go when they have to die.
A place where a guy could buy a cold beer
For a friend and a comrade whose memory is dear.
A place where no doctor or lawyer could tread,
Nor a management-type would e'ler be caught dead!
Just a quaint little place, kind of dark, full of smoke,
Where they like to sing loud, and love a good joke.
The kind of a place that a lady could go
And feel safe and secure by the men she would know.
There must be a place where old pilots go,
When their wings become heavy, when their airspeed gets low,
Where the whiskey is old, and the women are young,
And songs about flying and dying are sung.
Where you'd see all the fellows who'd 'flown west' before,
And they'd call out your name, as you came through the door,
Who would buy you a drink, if your thirst should be bad,
And relate to the others, "She was quite a good lad!"
And there, through the mist, you'd spot an old guy
You had not seen in years, though he'd taught you to fly.
He'd nod his old head, and grin ear to ear
And say, "Welcome, my friend, I'm proud that you're here!
For this is the place where true flyers come
When the battles are over, and the wars have been won.
They've come here at last, to be safe and alone,
>From the government clerk, and the management clone;
Politicians and lawyers, the Feds, and the noise,
Where all hours are happy, and these good ol' boys
Can relax with a cool one, and a well deserved rest!
This is Heaven, my Son. You've passed your last test!"
Jeanne will be missed by all!!!
Pat Gaedeke
November 1, 2010
Al,
Jeanne's gift was her example - to greet life at any age with a vibrant spirit and a full heart. Knowing Jeanne was an unforgettable experience.
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David Fagre
November 1, 2010
Al,
I will miss seeing Jeanne, but I will always have the wonderful memories of the twinkle in her eye as she spoke of the things of life.
My prayers and thoughts are with you in your loss.
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