Jean Marie Lindquist Welton

Jean Marie Lindquist Welton, a resident of Greenwood, passed away on March 14, 2025, surrounded by friends and family. She was born on July 8, 1950, in Valparaiso, IN, to Leo Gordon "Polly" and Mary (Slivka) Lindquist, both of whom preceded her in death, along with her sister, Sharon Sufana.

Jean graduated from Chesterton High School in 1968 and earned a B.A. (1972) in Guidance and Counseling, with minors in Spanish and German, and a Master of Arts (1975) in Education, focusing on guidance and counseling, both from Ball State University. She pursued additional coursework until a blizzard in 1978, driving hours at 5 mph to a closed campus, prompting her to step away.

Jean dedicated 38 years (1977-2015) as a guidance counselor at Center Grove High School in Greenwood, IN, where she loved helping students and parents navigate high school and plan for the future. Earlier, she taught Spanish and German at East Noble School Corporation and served as a junior high counselor for Fayetteville County School Corporation. After retiring, she continued part-time as an academic support associate at Ivy Tech Community College.

An extrovert with a quick wit and gift for gab, Jean delighted in entertaining others and was an exceptional proofreader. Fiercely independent, she proudly raised her daughters, Hillary (Dan Searfoss) Welton of Greenwood and Lauren (Ryan Hiner) Welton of Brookston, IN, while being a loyal friend and role model who encouraged authenticity and resilience. A world traveler in her youth with a suitcase bursting with tales, she jetted off to Hawaii, Europe, and Latin America, chasing sunsets and the odd risky thrill-because why stay safe when you can live loud?

She loved dining out to socialize (and avoid cooking), dancing, and supporting local live music, often seen energetically enjoying venues with friends day and night. Jean also cherished holiday traditions, decorating with flair, dressing up, and hosting festive meals with friends-moments that brought her community together in joy and celebration. A savvy shopper, she took pride in snagging the best bargains, her knack for finding deals was as legendary as her dance moves.

Jean will be deeply missed by her daughters; her brother-in-law, Gene Sufana of Chesterton; her niece, Bridgit Sufana of Chesterton; her aunt, Agnes Lindquist of Chesterton; and many other family members and friends, including her cherished dancer friends from Greenwood and The Unks from Chesterton.

In lieu of flowers, please support live local music, dance like nobody's watching, and bring happiness to others.

A Memorial Mass will be conducted at Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, situated at 5901 Olive Branch Road, Greenwood, IN 46143, at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 11, 2025. Family and friends are welcome to gather from 11:00 AM until the commencement of the service.

A celebration of life will be held in honor of Jean on April 11, 2025, at the Greenwood Memorial VFW Post 5864, located at 1842 Veterans Way, Greenwood, IN 46143. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend from 4:30 to 6:30 PM to share cherished memories of Jean, whose benevolent and jovial nature touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Additionally, a celebration of life will be held in Chesterton, IN, with further details to be announced at a later date.