Jean P. Chegwidden

Jean Patrice Coon, 60, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2023 at her home in Novi, Michigan.

Jean was born May 7, 1963 in Hancock, Michigan and was the fifth daughter to the late Jay Bernard “Bernie” Coon and the late Maxine Ann (Ries) Coon. Growing up, Jean and her siblings could be found outdoors enjoying the family waterfront property; going to Isle Royale aboard their dad’s boat Otter; hunting, foraging, and other outdoor activities at the “40”; and skiing at Mont Ripley. Jean attended Hancock Central High, graduating in 1981. During high school, Jean was a member of the ski team, track & field, and completed a Nurse Aide vocational program.

Following high school, Jean obtained her certificate in cosmetology before enlisting in the United States Army Reserve. While serving in active duty, Jean was stationed in Germany and was deployed to Saudi Arabia. During her time in Germany, Jean gave birth to her daughter, Tanja, in 1988. She was certified in Fuel & Electrical Systems repair, obtained multiple recognition awards/metals and was honorably discharged in 1994.

After returning to Hancock, while completing her Reserve duties, Jean attended Suomi College where she obtained an Associate degree in Applied Science in 1994, concentrating on travel.  She also worked with her father Bernie and brother Michael at Coon Electric. Working for the Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport brought Jean and Tanja to the Green Bay area, where they resided until Tanja graduated from high school.  She obtained a Technical Diploma for Nursing Assistant from Northwest Wisconsin Technical College in 1997.  Besides completing many continuing education courses in health care, in 2014 she received a Certificate meeting Title I Aide/Paraprofessional under the No Child Left Behind Act from the State of North Dakota.

Among many personal hobbies, Jean could often be found reading books, spending time outdoors, tending to lush flower and vegetable gardens, and cooking with the bounty from the harvests of those gardens. Jean recently received a puppy, Connor, to train as a service dog, whose company she enjoyed greatly. Being an animal whisperer, she had him following basic commands as a ten week old puppy.  Jean, like her sisters, had a knack for creativity and kept wonderfully colorful, vibrant, and welcoming homes.

Jean will be missed for her kind, generous, and loving heart. Most recently, Jean could be found helping friends and loved ones who needed care, including late friend Linda (Kroll) Crump and mother Maxine. Many will remember Jean’s bright smile and infectious laughter.

Jean is survived by her daughter Tanja (Morgan) Thomas of Oak Grove, Kentucky; granddaughter Nyla Mae Thomas of Oak Grove, Kentucky; siblings Cindy (Steve) Wageman of Gillette, Wyoming; Gretchen (Jay) Kristola of Calumet, Michigan; Kathy (Joe) Marino of Houghton, Michigan; and Michael (Amy) Coon of Hancock, Michigan; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Preceding Jean in death include father Bernie, mother Maxine, and sister Jaye.

In lieu of flowers, Jean’s family is asking to make a donation in Jean’s name to K9s for Warriors , The Nation’s Largest Provider of Service Dogs for Veterans.