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Jean Addison Obituary
passed from this life on January 1, 2021 on her own terms and in her own time. Born in 1917, the daughter of Methodist Minister Herbert R. and Ethel M. Whiting, she traveled through her life with grace, dignity and whit. A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, she then married William B. Addison, Sr. He worked for his father and eventually became the owner of The Addison Tiling Company in Cleveland, Ohio. They enjoyed a summer house on Lake Erie, Red Bird, where all the family voted her the best pie maker in town. Cherry was the all-around favorite, but there were too many delicious flavors to count!
After periodic visits to Tucson to be with family and friends, they became enraptured with the open spaces, horses and never-ending stunning sunsets. Bill had ridden his horse over the property and said to Jean, "This is it!". They designed, built, and decorated their gracious home in the foothills on the east side. From then on during the warm summer sunsets, they would sit on the veranda of their home with a cocktail in hand and welcomed whoever stopped by. Bill and Jean Addison purchased Evergreen Cemetery in 1960, established July 1, 1907, later becoming Evergreen Mortuary and Cemetery. Bill passed in 1993, and Jean continued as owner of the business until the sale in 2014.
Jean always supported Bill and her family with advice, strength, and a beautiful smile. As matriarch of the family, Jean utilized her inner intuition and loving guidance in her quiet way. Mother's hallmark sense of humor, always appreciated, was never at one's expense. This gentle lady set an example that has become quite scarce these days. She will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know and love her. Jean is survived by her three children: Anne (Hoyt) Vandenberg, Jr., William B. (Barbara) Addison, Jr. and Jeffrey A. Addison; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. A private family service will be held at EVERGREEN MORTUARY AND CEMETERY. Donations can be sent in her honor to The Humane Society of Southern Arizona or the charity of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for Jean Addison
nancy whiting
January 4, 2026
The world is a quieter place without Jean in it. Her presence will always be missed, as will her warm ways and smiles.
Anne Marie Abbott
January 4, 2025
Thinking of you and your family today.
nancy whiting
December 17, 2023
As do so many, I am missing my aunt tonight and forever. What a great person. I was so very fortunate to be near her so often.
nancy whiting
January 5, 2023
Still missing and always will. Jean Addison will always be kind, gracious, warm and fun in my mind. I was lucky enough to be her niece and spend time in both Ohio and Tucson with the family. Irreplaceable and remembered with love.
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Anne marie abbott
January 4, 2023
Thinking of you Anne.
Anne Marie and Jon Abbott
February 23, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Linda Mutart
February 2, 2021
My deepest sympathy to all of the family. I was Jeans housekeeper when she lived at Santa Catalina Villas and I always enjoyed seeing her. I retired in 2013 and don't remember how long I was her housekeeper as a lady named Diane was her housekeeper before me. I met her grandson there and then found out he worked at the Chase bank that I went to but unfortunately lost contact with him, Jason, after he had his first child. When I saw the obituary in the paper I thought I would go to the bank to offer my condolences only to find out he isn't with Chase anymore. I'm from Ohio too so maybe that's why Jean and I got along so well. I know she will be missed by many people.
Nikki Shumsky
January 10, 2021
I remember growing up not far from the Addisons on Tucsons far east side in the 60s as she was the most gracious and kind and wonderful woman. Has been many years since then but I always remembered her for this and numerous other things. May you Rest in Peace.
Nancy Whiting
January 9, 2021
That is a lovely and loving tribute to a one of a kind lady. I recall that everything had to be cooked from scratch as we used to say. Then came some back issues and she found that the world would survive if she cut some corners. I recall Bill, after he took charge of the care giving, saying he had no idea how hard it was to come up with a varied menu! Cherry pies were out of this world. Did they come from the tree in the back yard at RB? Fresh Ohio peaches were a close second. No where can one find anything near them. All that and a warm, caring, wonderful woman loved by many, including me.
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Evergreen Mortuary, Cemetery & Crematory - Tucson3015 North Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85705
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