Jean C Hoem

Jean C. Hoem passed away in the early morning hours of January 7, 2015, after a well lived life at the age of 94. She strived to "do it all" by enjoying a happy marriage of 60 years, raising five children, inspiring countless students as an award-winning music educator, leading teacher workshops, writing professional articles, publishing songs, and doting upon grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Born in Excelsior, Minnesota, Jean graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1943 with a degree in education. She earned a Master's Degree in Music Education from Willamette University in 1968.

Jean began her teaching career in Snohomish, Washington, where she met and married the love of her life, Edward A. Hoem, in 1944.

In 1957 with five children, the couple moved to McMinnville, Oregon, where Jean returned to teaching in McMinnville Public Schools. She became a leading conservation educator and in 1965 published "Sing with Smokey - A Conservation Song Book" for the US Dept of Forestry. Jean was named "Oregon's Conservation Educator of the Year" in 1969.

Jean finished her career at Oregon School for the Blind in Salem. In recognition of her innovative work with these students, Jean was honored as Oregon Teacher of the Year in 1983.

After retirement from teaching, Jean worked with Edward producing Hoemkraft Christmas Tree Stands; they marketed hundreds throughout Oregon and Washington. Enjoying both new sights and visiting relatives and friends, the couple traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe, especially Norway and Sweden to connect with family heritage.

When Edward passed away in 2005, Jean continued her active life in Monmouth and later settled into Emerald Pointe Senior Living in Keizer. When she needed a higher level of care, Jean moved to River Road Assistant Living and adjusted to a new home in the same spirited way she had addressed all the challenges of her life.

Jean is survived by five children: Eric (Shirley) Hoem, Wilsonville; Elling (Connie) Hoem, Salem; Merle (Elaine) Hoem, Independence; Joanna Hoem Flippin, Salem; and Ed (Yoshiko) Hoem, Beaverton; 9 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Edward A. Hoem, her brother Charles W. Carr, (Minnesota) and her parents Eugene and Emma Carr (Minnesota).

In lieu of flowers her family requests donations to Willamette Valley Hospice in recognition of the tireless staff, who supported a high quality of life for Jean in her final months. Jean's funeral will be held at Restlawn Funeral Home, Salem, on Thursday, January 15, 2015, at 1:00 PM, reception following. Viewing will be available Wednesday, January 14, between 10 AM and 4 PM, as well as 10 AM to noon the day of the Funeral.