Jean Joanne Messick's Obituary
Jean Joanne Messick, a long-time resident of Fremont and Livermore, CA passed away on Feb. 20th, 2024, at the age of 87. Jean grew up in Sacramento and met her husband Robert (Bob) Messick in Lodi and were married in 1954. In 1955 when their oldest daughter Judy was only two weeks old, they moved to Newark. Their second daughter Marian was born in 1957. Three years later they moved to Irvington, Fremont, CA. Jean was a member of many clubs, sat on countless boards and committees, and also was extremely involved in community activities. Upon her arrival in Irvington, Jean joined the Country Club of Washington Township and was an active member for 53 years. Jean was also affiliated with The National Society Colonial Dames XVII, National Society Magna Carta Dames and Barons, Las Antiquelagas Club where she served as President, Native Daughters of the Golden West serving as President and VP, San Francisco Bay Area Huguenot Society, Washington Township Historical Society, FCAC member for 30 years, Genealogy Society Member, and The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) where she was the California Organizing Registrar for 26 years, earned 21 DAR pins and grew the Ohlone Chapter by 75 members. It was her passion to be involved in her community and history. A couple of accomplishments Jean is especially proud of are the development of the Ardenwood Historic Farm, and the Early American Antique Museum for the Alameda County Fair. In 1985 Jean and Bob helped open Ardenwood Farm in Newark. Jean started the Early American Crafts program there, where school groups would have the opportunity to
experience early American life. In 1988 the City of Fremont presented Jean with a certificate from the Ardenwood Patterson House Advisory Board for her services as a board member and tour guide and for her assistance in restoring the Patterson House. She was honored in 2016 for 50 years of commitment as one of four members of the Washington Township Women’s Club celebrating Tri-Valley Women and their dedication. In 1967 Jean discovered one of her greatest passions: Genealogy! She then spent the next 50-plus years tiptoeing through cemeteries, long hours in libraries and courthouses reviewing vital records, and traveling across the US, and to Scotland, Ireland, and Germany to research family ancestors. Jean’s petals of her life touched many people, and she created treasured memories and legacies that will be forever remembered in our hearts.
Jean was married to the love of her life, Robert Messick, who passed away in 2001. She will be missed by her oldest daughter Judy Turner and youngest daughter Marian ‘April’ Lee, sons-in-law, Skip Turner and Jim Lee, grandsons Robert Turner and Christopher Lee, wife Stevie, and granddaughter Courtney Lee, and extended family and loved ones.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 15th, 2024, at Noon, at 32992 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA. In memory of Jean, donations can be made to Stanford University; by check to Development Service, P.O. Box 20466, Stanford, CA, 94309, Memo Cancer Research, or Phone 650-725-4360 Press 3
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