Jean DeMouthe Obituary

Jean F. DeMouthe, EdD, RG

December 8, 1949 - October 20, 2017

Jean DeMouthe passed away peacefully at home on October 20, with her brother and sister at her side. Although she had been fighting cancer for many years, she had insisted that life go on "as usual" until a few weeks before. For her, the "usual" was a full day of work as Senior Collections Manager in the Invertebrate Zoology and Geology department at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park; supervision of academic theses for her Museum Studies students at San Francisco State University; attending the Denver Gem and Mineral Show; and hosting visiting colleagues and friends. Until recently, she also acted as County Geologist for San Mateo County.

Jean received her degree in geology from Humboldt State University and her doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley. From the start she was determined to get a job at the Academy of Sciences, and started as a volunteer in the IZG department. Soon hired as an assistant, she made the institution her second home for the next 44 years. During this time she guided the development of a world-class mineral collection of several million specimens, including fossils, microfossils, minerals, gemstones, and meteorites.

Dr. DeMouthe was also an active field trip leader, contributed to the exhibits and education programs at the Academy, and helped guide many young men and women into fruitful careers in the sciences. Her work has had an international influence on the ways in which museum and private collections are displayed and preserved.

Dr. DeMouthe was a member of the Bay Area Art Conservation Guild (BAACG), a founding member of the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC), and other professional organizations. She is a recipient of the Academy Fellows' Award for distinguished service. She loved her family, her friends, her work, big dogs, art glass marbles, jazz piano, Giants baseball, handcrafts, chocolate, rare roses, books, cats, chickens, and the occasional pint of Guinness. We will miss her so much.

Funeral services will be private. A celebration of her life will be held in early 2018.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Oct. 28 to Oct. 29, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean DeMouthe

7 Entries

Debra Trock

November 13, 2017

I arrived at the Cal Academy in 2005, and Jean instantly became my friend and mentor. Knowing that I had no family in the Bay Area, she often invited me to share an Easter meal with her family. She was a true friend and colleague and I miss her deeply. Her love and dedication to science, her work, and her family and friends is an example for us all. May you Rest in Peace Jean.

Laurel Allen

November 8, 2017

I feel so lucky to have had four years with Jean at the Academy. She made me laugh, she taught me so much (about gems, minerals, and all sorts of unrelated life-things), and she left me in awe of her giant heart and fierce intellect. I'll miss her so much, and send all my warmth and wishes to her family and loved ones.

Lola F.

November 3, 2017

I am truly sorry for your loss and the sadness it brings. How wonderful to be able to do work that speaks to your heart and to be able to do that work in such an amazing environment is a huge bonus. I would like to share an encouraging thought - "But when this which is corruptible puts on incorruption and this which is mortal puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: 'Death is swallowed up forever. Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?'" -- 1 Corinthians 15:54, 55. Thank you and be well.

Larry Edelstein

October 31, 2017

Jean was a great help to me as a volunteer at the Academy, and then, as a proctor for all of my chemistry exams. I'm very sad to hear of her death.

Shauna

October 31, 2017

Jean was the best neighbor I ever had. I'll miss her dry wit, her generous care of my roses, her hens, and the astounding example of her courage and tenacity in the face of cancer. Ave atque vale, JDM.

Cheryl Schudel

October 30, 2017

So saddened to hear of Jeans passing. I remember taking geology field trips with her over 25 years ago with the California Academy of Sciences. She had such energy and passion. She was really a cornerstone of the Academy. Her knowledge and professional manner will be missed.

John Barron

October 30, 2017

It is hard to believe that Jean has passed. She was so professional, dedicated, and courageous throughout her 44 year long career at the California Academy of Sciences. As a US Geological Survey diatom researcher, I knew her for 40+ years as the manager of the Academy's Diatom Collection. During this lime, Jean became a good friend as well as a valued advisor on housing hazards related to the geology of San Mateo County. Most recently in late 2016 and early 2017, Jean received from me >4700 microscope slides with accompanying locality and age information and vials of processed material from my research collection for inclusion into the Academy's Diatom Collection. I could count on Jean for always being thoroughly attentive, organized, and personable in all of our conversations and relationships. Jean will be sorely missed as a friend and colleague.

Sincerely, John A. Barron, Emeritus Research Geologist, US Geological Survey

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