Jean Harlan Bairnson, 79, passed away November 13, 2006, after a brief illness. She was born October 11, 1927, in Dumont. She was graduated from Clarion High School, Clarion, where she was awarded the honor of Valedictorian. Jean received her teaching degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1949.
After graduation, she taught English and speech at Decorah High School in Decorah. She married Thomas Andrew Bairnson in 1951. After he graduated from medical school, they set up his practice in Cedar Falls, where Jean returned to the University of Northern Iowa as an instructor.
She was extremely active in her community, and served as president of both the 19th Century Club and PEO Chapter FV. Jean also was a member of the Black Hawk County Medical Wives Club for Sartori Hospital, and began the annual Festival of Trees fundraiser, which she directed for many years.
Jean was an avid golfer and was an active member of Beaver Hills Country Club in Cedar Falls, Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo, Iowa, and most recently University Park Country Club in Sarasota, Florida, where she and her husband retired.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence L. and Lida (Stock) Harlan. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Thomas Bairnson; daughter Beth Zauhar Stoll (Louis), son George Andrew Bairnson, (Janine); grandchildren Jessica and Troy Zauhar; sister Lida H. May (Edgar); several nieces and a nephew.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2006, at the Church of the Nativity at 5900 North Lockwood Road in Sarasota, Florida. The family requests that any memorial donations be made to Sartori Hospital Healthcare Foundation, 515 College Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa, 50613.
Copyright Waterloo Courier, November 16, 2006, Page A8.