Jean M. Head

Jean Head Obituary LOCAL ARTIST JEAN MCGONIGLE HEAD, VALPARAISO, Jean McGonigle Head, 95 of Valparaiso, IN passed away on October 28th. She was preceded in death by her husband James D. Head Jr. in 2010. They married on February 15, 1950. She was born on January 10, 1929, in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Edward and Grace (Haddon) McGonigle. Beloved sister of the late Edward (Barbara) McGonigle. She moved to Valparaiso in December 1970. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Jean is survived by her 7 children, their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren: son, James (Kathy) Head granddaughters, Meghan and Molly (Cliff); daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Harkel, grandchildren Kevin and Julia (Krishna) great granddaughter, Haddon; daughter, Jane (Jeff) Lowe, grandchildren Ethan (Heather) great granddaughters, Kendall, Kaitlyn and Delany, Andrew, great granddaughter, Ruby, Martha Schneider (Eric) great grandchildren, Clayton and Margaret; daughter, Judith (Marc) Barnett, grandchildren Max, Elizabeth and Rebecca (Ross) great grandson, Miles; daughter, Johanna Head, grandchildren, Sebastien and Frances; daughter, Jill (Tad) Rock grandchildren Grace, James and Charles (Alyssa) great grandson Samuel; daughter, Jeanne-Marie (Kirk) Greiner, grandchildren Aidan and Ivan. Jean was interested in art painting at an early age in Pittsburgh, PA. After settling in Valparaiso Indiana, she was able to invest more time into her creativity as her children grew older. She attended art classes and workshops throughout northwest Indiana and Chicago. She was an early participant at the Art Barn in Valparaiso. She became part of a core group of regular artists there who inspired and encouraged each other over the years. Jean was especially known for her watercolor paintings as she painted with distinctively vibrant colors. Her work was exhibited in numerous shows regionally and is held in private and public collections. In July 2023 she had a retrospective exhibition at the Art Barn. It was a tremendous celebration of her prolific body of work. In addition to her art, she was a lifelong avid reader and participated in several book clubs. She was known for her adventurous and creative culinary skills. She was a member of the YMCA and made many dear friends throughout her years of swimming classes. A funeral mass will be held at Saint Paul Catholic Church on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM with Fr. Roque Meraz officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice; 501 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Services
Memorial Mass
Friday
November 8, 2024
10:00 AM
St. Paul Catholic Church
1855 W. Harrison Blvd.
Valparaiso, Indiana 46385 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jean, please visit our Tree Store.