Jean Thurow

Madison - Jean E. Thurow, age 91, died Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at UW Hospital in Madison.

Jean was born to Ivy Chapman Shearer and Frederick B. Shearer on March 31, 1920 in Aurora, Illinois. She was the youngest of four children. As a young adult, Jean was an avid golfer and studied art at Naperville College.

Jean married Dr. Raymond Carl Thurow in 1942, and they moved to Madison in 1947. It was here they raised their beautiful family of three children: Nancy, Barbara and David.

Jean lived in the time when women stayed home and took care of their families, while involving themselves in professional and service associations. She was active in the Dental Auxiliary, the Opti-Mrs Club, the American Legion, the Red Cross, and the Lutheran church. Jean was particularly interested in promoting the importance of safety, and for more than 50 years, lectured about the topic for numerous organizations throughout Wisconsin. She was also involved in geneology. Ray and Jean traveled extensively, which brought them both great joy.

Loving family members who survive Jean include her daughter, Nancy Newton (husband, Mike); son, David Thurow (wife, Concepcion); grandchildren, Carl Lepper (wife, Aimee), Daniel Thurow (wife, Starlit), Geoffrey Thurow and Charles Thurow; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Barbara, as well as her husband, parents and siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A visitation will be held from 9 am until the time of service. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memory Gardens.