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As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:
On August 27, 2020 Jeanne Kathryn (Watters) Westrom of Skanee, Michigan passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, after a long illness.
Jean was born in L’Anse, Michigan on September 25, 1933 to John “Bud” Watters and Gloria Helen Watters (Sicotte). She graduated from L’Anse High School in 1951, where she performed as drum majorette. At age 18, after winning a local singing competition, she traveled to Minneapolis where she sang with her two sisters, Joan Hill and the late Gloria Longman, as The Watters Sisters.
In 1956, Jean married James “Jim” Westrom of Skanee, Michigan. The couple drove their Ford convertible to San Diego, California where they had eight children before Jim’s work moved them to Fort Worth, Texas in 1976.
Jean was a lifelong learner and close to completing her undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the University of North Texas when she became ill. She loved performing on stage, taking nature photography, and writing poetry. Jean competed in the Ms. Senior America pageants, winning the titles for Ms. Senior Texas, Ms. Senior Michigan, Ms. Senior Illinois, and Ms. Senior Alaska.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, James Westrom of Skanee; her eight children, James Westrom (Inez) of Colleyville, Texas, JoeyClaire Watters of Arizona, Jeanne Giles of Dallas, Texas, Jacquelyn Westrom Griffith of Colleyville, Texas, Joel Westrom of Colleyville, Texas, Jennifer Westrom (David) of Colleyville, Texas, Jonathan Westrom (Tracy) of Haslet, Texas, and Josh Westrom (Erin) of Argyle, Texas; four of her seven siblings, Joan Hill of L’Anse, Susie Tollefson of L’Anse, Bridget La
Berge of L’Anse and Joseph Watters of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jean was predeceased by her parents, John and Gloria (Sicotte) Watters; 3 of her sisters, Gloria Longman, Mary Kissel, and Virginia Menard; and her son-in-law Robert Griffith.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at Jean’s childhood home in L’Anse. As requested by Jean, her ashes will be spread in the forests and lakes she loved to visit in Skanee.
Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may sign Jean’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
