WILLOUGHBY, Jean

Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona Jean Willoughby July 7, 1925 - April 18, 2015 Jean Willoughby died peacefully at her home in Oro Valley, AZ on April 18, 2015. Jean lived a long and remarkable life. She was blessed with six children and 13 grandchildren, and Jean also had a rich and rewarding career in government. Jean is the beloved mother of Anne (John) Reiss, Simi Valley, CA; Susan (Peter) Linetzky, Troy, MI; Doug (Kathy) Willoughby, Bloomfield Hills, MI, and Bridget (Mike) Kelley, Tucson, AZ. Beloved grandmother of Eric Hendrickson, Meghann Reiss, Kaitlin Reiss, Conor (Beth) Reiss, Mairin (Jason) Stone, Kate (Brian) Duncan, John Willoughby, David, Stephen, and Michael Denuyl, Sarah (Michael) Lidster, Michele Kelley, Kristi (Tom) Tylutki, and Tammi (Chuck) Gripton. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Willoughby, MD, JD, her son William L. Willoughby, her daughter Laura Hendrickson, MD, and sister Eileen Frye. She was the daughter of the late Louis and Agnes Kauffman of Peoria, IL. A registered nurse when she met Bill, Jean stayed at home and raised children, volunteered, and did her time as "chief cook and bottle washer." When the children were grown, Jean went back to school ("I was the oldest co-ed in the room!") and earned a bachelors degree and then a masters degree in public administration. After earning her degree, Jean set her sights on public office -- following in the footsteps of her father and grandmother, who were both active in politics in Peoria, IL. Jean took on an eight-year Democrat incumbent in a largely Democrat district in Michigan. No one believed in Jean, but she doggedly persisted because she had faith in herself. She won a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 62nd district before she was drawn out of her district. Jean then worked as director of Federal and State Aid for Oakland County, MI for eight years. When Bill retired, they moved to Horseshoe Bay, TX, where he had always dreamed of living. A premier hostess in Michigan who threw epic celebrations, Jean continued that tradition in Horseshoe Bay where her parties were legendary. No one loved a good laugh and a good party more than Jean. Jean also changed the lives of countless abused children as a volunteer with the CASA program of Highland Lakes. When Bill died, Jean moved to Arizona in 2009 to be closer to family, but she continued to organize spectacular parties. Her singalongs at St. Patrick's Day and Halloween were a huge hit. But Jean was best known at her home in Splendido for the dressing up for dinner, the elaborate decorations on her door, and the huge bowl of chocolates left in the hallway for all to enjoy. We will celebrate Jean's wonderful life on Saturday, April 25, during a mass at Santa Catalina Catholic Church in Oro Valley, AZ. In lieu of flowers, those who would like to make a memorial gift might consider a donation to CASA of the Highland Lakes.