JEAN RICKARD Obituary


Jean Louise Jablonsky Rickard  (Age 85)  
Of Vienna, VA, passed away on July 13, 2021, in Bethany Beach, DE. Jean was born at Ft. Monroe, VA, to Major General Harvey Jablonsky and Mrs. Dorothy Jarman Jablonsky. Jean attended school at various Army posts in both the U.S. and abroad and graduated from the National Cathedral School, Washington, DC. She attended Connecticut College for Women a year and graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor of arts in education. During college in 1957, Jean began working for Herbert L. Block (Herblock), the Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist at The Washington Post. As his Executive Assistant, she managed his office and was involved in all aspects of his work, including the organization, editing and publication of his political cartoon books. She collaborated with Mr. Block to create the Herb Block Foundation, which helps promote and sustain the causes he championed during his 72 years of cartooning. As a trusted advisor, Jean became the founding Executive Director of the foundation, ensuring Mr. Block's legacy and vision for the organization. She served as Executive Director Emerita/Vice President until her death. Jean was known for her legendary Christmas cookies-for years she baked 20,000 each year to give to family and friends. Jean lived in Vienna, VA, for 60 years. Jean's home was known to be the epicenter for family reunions, annual Christmas and pool parties, and laughter. Jean loved to read and passed that love on to her family and friends' children. She had countless friends, many of whom were part of her life for decades.Jean is survived by her daughter, Lynda Bonieskie (Lonell Merchant); six grandchildren: Anthony Bonieskie, James Bonieskie, Andrew Bonieskie, Catherine Bonieskie, Eric Merchant and Skyler Merchant; a great-grandson, Malakai Ray; her brothers, Lt. Colonel David Jablonsky (Wiebke), and James R. Tulley (Rhonda); sister, Lea Jablonsky Uhre (Curt); five nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 29 years, Ed Rickard, her son, Raymond L. Bonieskie, and her sister, Alice Jablonsky. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 7, 2021 at the American Legion Post 180 in Vienna, VA from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.In lieu of flowers please donate to one of Jean's favorite charities: Capital Area Food Bank; Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Department or House of Ruth.

Published by The Washington Post from Jul. 30 to Aug. 1, 2021.
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4 Entries

A living sanctuary of love & compassion. I feel honored to have had your guidance growing up with your children. Peace be with you, I'll always love you.

Glen Claypool

Friend

November 22, 2021

Becki Hartke & ELY, Inc.

August 13, 2021

RIP Jean.

Frank A Titus II

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July 30, 2021

Sarah Alex

July 30, 2021

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Aug

7

Memorial service

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

American Legion Post 180

Vienna, VA

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