Jean Lucille Warden (Barclay)

Jean Lucille Barclay Warden loved life and had a strong will to survive. Even though she had a broken neck at the age of 85, she determined to do whatever it took to get better and she did. We all marveled at her tenacious spirit. However she lost her battle with congestive heart failure on Friday, November 1st, and went into the loving arms of Jesus, her savior Lord. She was born in Seattle, Washington, to Rosa Belle (Rose) and Weston John Barclay. Her older brother, Stuart was 10 years her senior and gone from home when Jean was quite young. The family moved from Seattle to Portland in time for her begin elementary school. Jean graduated from Lincoln High School in Portland. She learned Gregg shorthand from her mother, Rose, who was taught by founder, Dr. John R. Gregg, also, Gerry Frank, son of one of the founders of Meier & Frank Company (now Macy's), learned typing from Rose and graduated with Jean in 1941. She was a girl Scout and took music lessons in piano, violin and voice. Music followed her for much of her life, and she was often asked to sing and play the piano and organ. Her beloved Joe was introduced to her by three of her girlfriends, during the summer of 1938. She and Joe spent many hours at the Oaks Park Skating Rink where Joe was awkwardly introduced to Rose. As he skated across the rink he fell and slide at her feet. However, this was the beginning of a great relationship with his soon to be mother-in-law. Three and half years later, Jean would add Warden to her last name. Eleven days after graduation, she and Joe were married at White Temple Baptist Church in 1941. They were together for 63 wonderful years, until Joe passed away in 2004. Their union produced four children, Patricia, JoAnne, Jerry and Michael. Pat and John Hudson live in Washington, JoAnne and Jay Boock live in Florida, Jerry and Pam and Mike and Reva Warden live in Salem. There are ten grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren that are a special part of the family. Jean and Joe were faithful attendees at Trinity United Methodist Church, and became members in 1957. The family was very active in the church and Jean sang in the choir. This was important part of family life for the Warden's. There were several notable jobs that Jean held. She was secretary to Mark O. Hatfield when he was the Dean of Men at Willamette University. He later became Governor of Oregon and a State Senator. She also worked for Marion County School District for over 25 years. Jean and Joe were heavily involved in Masonic activities. Joe was very active with the Masonic Lodge and Jean joined The Order of Eastern Star and subsequent organizations. In the early nineties, they were Grand Matron and Patron of Ainsworth Chapter in Salem. She was past Queen of Nydia Temple #4, Daughters of the Nile, in Portland. She was also a member of Trinity Chapter #175, Order of Eastern Star and had served in the capacity of Grand Chaplain, Grand Electa, Grand Representative of South Caroline and Guardian of Jobs Daughters #48. After Joe died, she participated in Widows of the Masonic Order. In later years Jean and Joe moved into Lancaster Village Retirement Center. After five years, they found that they needed more care, and moved in the Assisted Living part of the same facility. They both loved their time at the "Village" and felt that they received excellent care. Jean said it was like a "big happy family." We want to thank all of the staff, from management to caregivers, for the incredible care that Jean and Joe received. This truly was "home" for many years that they were at Lancaster Village. Jean was a strong, capable, loving wife and mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Our hearts are heavy for our loss, but Jean is in the loving arms of Jesus, and we have wonderful memories and our legacy of love. Survivors include the four children and spouses, grand and great grandchildren, as well as many friends and relatives around the globe. Her parents, Rose and Weston, brother, Stuart, and husband, Joe, all predeceased her. Jean left an indelible imprint on the hearts of all who knew her. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on November 9th, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 590 Elma Ave. SE with reception to following. Private entombment will be at 12 p.m. at Restlawn Mausoleum, for family only. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, November 8th at Restlawn Funeral Home, 201 Oak Grove RD N.W. Salem, OR 97304. Arrangements entrusted to Restlawn Funeral Home.