Jean W. Douglas

  
JEAN WALLACE DOUGLAS (Age 91)  
On September 23, 2011, Jean Wallace Douglas passed away peacefully at her home in Washington, DC from a recurrence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, supported by her loving family and those who cared for her. Her husband of 64 years, W. Leslie Douglas, predeceased her in November, 2010. She is survived by her children, David W. Douglas (Deborah), Ann D. Cornell and Joan D. Murray; and her grandchildren, Katie Douglas Martel (Ryan), Emily W. Douglas, Alex D. Cornell, Holly W. Cornell, Sara D. Murray and David W. Murray. Born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1920, she graduated from Connecticut College and worked briefly with the Office of Strategic Services. The daughter of Henry A. Wallace, Secretary of Agriculture and Vice President under Franklin Roosevelt, she was known for her pioneering support of conservation, farmland protection and farmers' markets. President of the Wallace Genetic Foundation, she served on the boards of American Farmland Trust, Accokeek Foundation, Audubon, and the Conservation Fund. She helped found the Parents Council of Washington, DC, provided guidance to Second Genesis's rehabilitation programs, and in acknowledgement of her deep love and respect for gardening and natural resources received the Garden Club of America's highest award in 2004. She was also an exceptional lifelong athlete, notably in tennis and paddle tennis, and a talented artist. A beloved inspiration to many, she brought to all her activities an extraordinary level of energy, humor and vision. She exhibited keen insight and remarkable prescience in her early understanding of nutrition and the critical connection between health and the environment. A gathering in celebration of her life will be held October 28 at 11 a.m. at the Chevy Chase Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Washington Home and Community Hospice, 3720 Upton Street, NW, Washington DC, 20016.