Jean L. Langdon, 81, a lifetime Plymouth resident, passed away on Friday evening, February 17, 2012 in the Greencroft Healthcare facility in Goshen, IN.
Born in Plymouth on February 3, 1931, Jean was the daughter of Clarence and Ruth (Beyler) Beals.
Jean will be remembered by her smile and unwavering love for her family. She had a long, wonderful life, well-lived. She knew, and her family knows, that she is whole again and with Jesus in Paradise.
Jean graduated from Plymouth High School and in October of 1950, was married to William Langdon in St. Michael’s Rectory, Plymouth. To all who knew her, Jean was beautiful and intelligent. A born-again Christian, she had Christ-like qualities, including a servant’s heart. Those who knew her best remember; she was happy for people, wasn’t jealous, didn’t gossip; didn’t boast and appreciated her blessings.
Jean loved people…especially her family, her close friends and the underdog.
Bill said that she displayed the “fruits of the Holy Spirit: affection, serenity, compassion, commitment and loyalty.” As a baby, Jean was an honorable mention in Gerber’s’ National Beautiful Baby contest. As a PHS high school student, she was voted Homecoming Queen by her peers. Always a hard worker, she would run down Garro St. to wait tables at the Hippity-Hop soda shop during her lunch hours.
Until her babies were born, after graduation and her marriage, she worked as a clerk in the first Montgomery Ward store in downtown Plymouth.
She then became a stay-at-home mom and homemaker, as well as a partner with her husband in an antique and collectibles business: Langdon’s Antiques. They were “American Pickers” and “American Restorers” long before today’s popular series.
She enjoyed collecting, especially, Christmas ornaments, gardening and cross-stitch art work.
Jean loved to travel, as a child with her parents, and later with Bill. She loved their annual trips to the Smokies, especially Gatlinburg (where they went on their honeymoon), and the 1964 trip to the World’s Fair in New York
She was years ahead of her time regarding: animal rights, nutrition and natural medicines. She was concerned about human rights, especially Native Americans and Mexican Americans. She wrote countless letters and made numerous phone calls on their behalf’s.
She is acknowledged by her family as an amazing caregiver to her mother and aunt and to her beloved husband when he struggled with cancer.
Bill’s death was devastating to Jean, but she kept going…keeping up the house and beautiful yard for the next 20 years. She loved her son-in-laws and daughter-in-law as her own and adored and was thoroughly engaged with her six grandchildren.
She loved having her grandkids overnight, spoiling them with her cooking. She made the holidays special for her family and friends, especially Easter and Christmas, filled with love and good memories.
Alzheimer’s took its toll on Jean over the past couple of years. Kind, gentle and long suffering, she never failed to recognize her children or to display her special characteristics.
Jean’s favorite song, “In the Garden,” played on the radio as she peacefully passed. It was a wonderful sign to her family from God to them that He was with her.
Jean is survived by three children: Rebecca (Robert) Keagy of Clarkston, MI; Kathleen (Monte) Cook, of Jimtown, IN; .and William (Mindy) Langdon of Plymouth.
Her six grandchildren are: Tyler Langdon of Sherman Oaks, CA; Mackenzie (Zach) Hill of Jimtown, IN; Matthew Keagy of ann Arbor, MI; Travis Langdon of Chicago, IL; Shane Cook of South Bend, IN; and Andy Langdon of Los Angeles, CA.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her three siblings; George Beals; Robert Beals; and Elizabeth Adelsperger.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Jean’s life at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St. Plymouth on Sunday, March 4th from 2 – 4 p.m. Services will follow immediately at 4 p.m. with Rev. Don Weiss officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Marshall County Humane Society, P.O. Box 22, Plymouth, IN 46563 or the Women’s Care Center, 224 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN 46563.
Jeanie Andrews Martin says
Kathy I am so sorry about your mom. She was such a sweet lady!
Manny Caban says
Bill, our thought and prayers are with and your family at this time of mourning may God bless you and your family.
Manny Caban and Family
Shirley A. Gidley says
What a lovely lady! She was delightful. I know that she will be sorely missed and that wonderful memories will keep her with you in such good ways. Thoughts and prayers go with each of you.
Karla Mitchess says
Bill, Mindy and Family
So sorry to hear of your Mom\’s death. My prayers are with all of the family at this sad time.
Karla Mitchell
Kathy (Worman) Titus says
Kathy, you\’re in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. When someone we love becomes a memory, that memory is a priceless treasure.
JJ Langdon says
To my cousins and your family\’s . We are so sorry for your loss and all of our loss.
Aunt Jean was always an exceptionally sweet lady and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts will be with you.
J.J. and Janis
Kathy Manuwal Herschberger says
Kathy, Becky, and Bill, my heart goes out to you!
Your mom was one of the nicest ladies I have ever met. I remember talking with her a few years ago and she had the same sweetness about her as always. Mrs. Langdon truly made the world a better place.
May you feel God\’s love and care at this time.
With Love,
Kathy Manuwal-Herschberger
Judy Fluke says
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about you mom. Prayers and hugs to you and the entire family.
So sorry,
Judy TrumpFluke
Robyn (Beedy) Hammonds-Mevis says
Becky, Kathy, Bill (and Mindy) . . . . so sorry to read this. Wow, we go back a long way . . . . what a very special lady your mom has always been to me. Please hear the prayers, and feel the hugs as you go through this difficult time.
Mary Ann Avery says
Kathy
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom passing. I have such fond memories of my times at your house with your parents. They were both so very nice. Thoughts and prayers will be with you, your family, Becky and Bill.
Mary Ann
Bonnie Beals Essex says
Becky, Kathy, and Bill (and families),
Please know my prayers are with all of you at this very sad time of loss. I loved Aunt Jean and will miss her, too. I\’m so thankful my Mom and I had such a nice visit with Jean last June when I was home for my class reunion. Aunt Jean, Uncle Bill, and you 3 cousins have always been very special in my heart and I\’m looking forward to once again seeing all of you and your families at the funeral. Meanwhile, our comfort truly can be in knowing Aunt Jean is happier now than she has ever been; and those of us who knew her, know how very happy she was while on this earth — largely because of her wonderful husband, children, and grandchildren! She really was very special!
With love, your cousin,
Bonnie (Beals) Essex
Terry Winter Ley says
Becky, Kathy, Bill and Family,
I so enjoyed the times at your parent\’s home. I adored your Mom and thought she was so lovely. Those are memories of our youth I do value. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Terry Winter Ley
Anonymous says
Dear Langdon/Beals families,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Jean was a beautiful lady and great mother. May she soar with the angels!!
Donna Taber Whitmer
Dawn Ringer-Bultena says
Dear Kathy, Becky, and Bill,
So very sorry about the loss of your mom. Your mother was just about the sweetest lady
I had ever known. I remember the day I told my mother how beautiful her smile was and she ask me if I knew that she was a cousin of mine? All I could blurt out was \”all this time I\’ve been friends with Kathy in school and you never told me we were cousins?\” I remember feeling so proud that she was in our family and ever since then I loved to talk to her about her brother George and his beautiful \”water color paintings\”…She also was such a wonderful, devoted mother in everyway to all of you that I admired so much. She was always there in any way she could be for support and by what was said about her in the obituary….she carried that on with all the grandchildren with more zest than ever! The memories she created was what she wanted to leave with all of you and I know you were blessed with many. God be extra near to you as your hearts will miss her. Love Always, Dawn Ringer-Bultena
Dawn Ringer-Bultena says
Kathy, Becky, and Bill (and Families)
I was so sorry to hear about your mother. She was the sweetest lady in the world. I remember telling my mom what a beautiful smile and lady she was and she asked me if I knew that we were cousins? All I could say was \”all this time in school and you didn\’t tell me that Kathy and I were cousins?\” It made me so proud everytime I saw her to know we were related. I used to talk to her about her brother who we called Uncle George …who painted the most beautiful water colors of which I have one. By the writings and feelings of many she was a devoted and spiritual mother and she followed that pattern with zest towards those grandchildren! She wanted to leave you all with many memories and traditions for years to come with her legacy. That she has done and blessed you all with the riches of love and family. God be with all of you in this time you reflect on such a special woman who loved her Lord and her family with all her heart and know you all shared such a special blessing to great to measure! Love, Dawn Ringer-Bultena
Donna Morris Burroughs says
So sorry for your loss. I\’ll be keeping you all in my prayers.
Dave Wickey says
Becky, Kathy and Bill,
So very sorry to hear of your mother\’s passing. She was always such a sweet and wonderful woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families in your time of sorrow.
Matt Pesch says
Becky, Kathy, and Bill,
So sorry to hear the news of your mom\’s passing. She was one of the sweetest people I\’ve ever met. Her obituary is a real tribute, and I see her smiling in my minds eye as I read it. Another great lady lost from
a great generation. Her children and grandchildren are living testaments to her life. A life that was so very well lived. Be comforted that in the fullness of time we will all be reunited with those lost to us in accordance to the Lords own plan.
All our Love,
Matt, Sherry, Claire, Rachael, and Emily Pesch
Dave & Carol Fehrer says
We are saddened to hear about the loss of your mother. She was such a wonderful and caring person. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mike Butler says
Bill and Mindy,
Sorry to hear of Jean\’s death. My prayers are with you and your family.
Michael and Laura Travis says
We are so sorry for your loss. Enjoy your wonderful memories… Jean was a very special woman and has a very special family to prove it. Lots and lots of love,
Michael, Laura, James, Will and Barrett Travis
Judy Bottorff Gaines says
Becky Kathy and Bill and families I have many fond memories growing up with your parents next door and then across the ally . ( your dad said we could be Ally Cats when you moved to Plum St. ) Your mother was always a very neat person and always had time to chatch up on the family. Please know your family will be in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Judy (Bottorff) Gaines
Jim Adelsperger says
Becky, Kathy and Bill,
I always thought your mom would live to be 100! But still, as the obituary says, she had a long life, well-lived. My mental picture of your mom is in the kitchen on Plum Street, where it seemed she was always cheerfully doing something to serve others, She set a wonderful example. And I recall fondly the last time I saw your mom, at the Christmas parade in Plymouth when we visited to inter my mom\’s ashes a few years ago.
One of my great regrets in life is that my family didn\’t get to spend more time with your family. The love that was so apparent among your mom and dad and you three was a wonder to behold. I was frankly envious. I know that love will support and strengthen you now as you grieve her loss.
I am sorry that I can\’t attend the memorial service. But I will be thinking of you three especially, along with all the other relatives that will gather to celebrate your mom\’s life.
God blessed us all when He let us know your mom for these many years.
Kathy Jung Parker says
Becky, Kathy & Billy & families,
I was so very sorry to hear of your Mom\’s passing. She was such a wonderful person. So many great memories growing up next door to all of you. Way too many memories to even begin to write down. I am so sorry we can\’t be at the funeral. We will be out of town. You are all in our thoughts & prayers as you go through this difficult time. Our parents are all together again, though, watching over us all. Love to you all..
Don & Kathy Jung Parker
Michael Chippas Family says
Bill and Mindy, we will keep you and your family in our prayers. I never met her but from all of the comments she must have been a wonderful, loving mother. Bill, you are a testament to that. Your faith and the prayers and support from your family and friends will help you through this difficult time.
Pat Kuskye says
To the Langdon Family,
We were saddened to hear of Jeanie\’s death. She was a very special lady. Her new life is well deserved!
Knowing this and all your great memories will help through this time of sorrow.
Sincerely sorry we couldn\’t make to the viewing.
The Kuskye Family (Pat Hartman)
Jack Johnson says
Aunt Jeannie was a great woman who will be missed. I will always remember her wonderful sense of humor and kindness.
Cindy Flagg says
My prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time. Jean was a lovely lady and I am happy I was able to spend time with her while she was at Miller\’s. I know she cherished her family and friends.
Jeanie Andrews Martin says
Kathy I am so sorry about your mom. She was such a sweet lady!
Manny Caban says
Bill, our thought and prayers are with and your family at this time of mourning may God bless you and your family.
Manny Caban and Family
Shirley A. Gidley says
What a lovely lady! She was delightful. I know that she will be sorely missed and that wonderful memories will keep her with you in such good ways. Thoughts and prayers go with each of you.
Karla Mitchess says
Bill, Mindy and Family
So sorry to hear of your Mom\’s death. My prayers are with all of the family at this sad time.
Karla Mitchell
Kathy (Worman) Titus says
Kathy, you\’re in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. When someone we love becomes a memory, that memory is a priceless treasure.
JJ Langdon says
To my cousins and your family\’s . We are so sorry for your loss and all of our loss.
Aunt Jean was always an exceptionally sweet lady and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts will be with you.
J.J. and Janis
Kathy Manuwal Herschberger says
Kathy, Becky, and Bill, my heart goes out to you!
Your mom was one of the nicest ladies I have ever met. I remember talking with her a few years ago and she had the same sweetness about her as always. Mrs. Langdon truly made the world a better place.
May you feel God\’s love and care at this time.
With Love,
Kathy Manuwal-Herschberger
Judy Fluke says
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about you mom. Prayers and hugs to you and the entire family.
So sorry,
Judy TrumpFluke
Robyn (Beedy) Hammonds-Mevis says
Becky, Kathy, Bill (and Mindy) . . . . so sorry to read this. Wow, we go back a long way . . . . what a very special lady your mom has always been to me. Please hear the prayers, and feel the hugs as you go through this difficult time.
Mary Ann Avery says
Kathy
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom passing. I have such fond memories of my times at your house with your parents. They were both so very nice. Thoughts and prayers will be with you, your family, Becky and Bill.
Mary Ann
Bonnie Beals Essex says
Becky, Kathy, and Bill (and families),
Please know my prayers are with all of you at this very sad time of loss. I loved Aunt Jean and will miss her, too. I\’m so thankful my Mom and I had such a nice visit with Jean last June when I was home for my class reunion. Aunt Jean, Uncle Bill, and you 3 cousins have always been very special in my heart and I\’m looking forward to once again seeing all of you and your families at the funeral. Meanwhile, our comfort truly can be in knowing Aunt Jean is happier now than she has ever been; and those of us who knew her, know how very happy she was while on this earth — largely because of her wonderful husband, children, and grandchildren! She really was very special!
With love, your cousin,
Bonnie (Beals) Essex
Terry Winter Ley says
Becky, Kathy, Bill and Family,
I so enjoyed the times at your parent\’s home. I adored your Mom and thought she was so lovely. Those are memories of our youth I do value. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Terry Winter Ley
Anonymous says
Dear Langdon/Beals families,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Jean was a beautiful lady and great mother. May she soar with the angels!!
Donna Taber Whitmer
Dawn Ringer-Bultena says
Dear Kathy, Becky, and Bill,
So very sorry about the loss of your mom. Your mother was just about the sweetest lady
I had ever known. I remember the day I told my mother how beautiful her smile was and she ask me if I knew that she was a cousin of mine? All I could blurt out was \”all this time I\’ve been friends with Kathy in school and you never told me we were cousins?\” I remember feeling so proud that she was in our family and ever since then I loved to talk to her about her brother George and his beautiful \”water color paintings\”…She also was such a wonderful, devoted mother in everyway to all of you that I admired so much. She was always there in any way she could be for support and by what was said about her in the obituary….she carried that on with all the grandchildren with more zest than ever! The memories she created was what she wanted to leave with all of you and I know you were blessed with many. God be extra near to you as your hearts will miss her. Love Always, Dawn Ringer-Bultena
Dawn Ringer-Bultena says
Kathy, Becky, and Bill (and Families)
I was so sorry to hear about your mother. She was the sweetest lady in the world. I remember telling my mom what a beautiful smile and lady she was and she asked me if I knew that we were cousins? All I could say was \”all this time in school and you didn\’t tell me that Kathy and I were cousins?\” It made me so proud everytime I saw her to know we were related. I used to talk to her about her brother who we called Uncle George …who painted the most beautiful water colors of which I have one. By the writings and feelings of many she was a devoted and spiritual mother and she followed that pattern with zest towards those grandchildren! She wanted to leave you all with many memories and traditions for years to come with her legacy. That she has done and blessed you all with the riches of love and family. God be with all of you in this time you reflect on such a special woman who loved her Lord and her family with all her heart and know you all shared such a special blessing to great to measure! Love, Dawn Ringer-Bultena
Donna Morris Burroughs says
So sorry for your loss. I\’ll be keeping you all in my prayers.
Dave Wickey says
Becky, Kathy and Bill,
So very sorry to hear of your mother\’s passing. She was always such a sweet and wonderful woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families in your time of sorrow.
Matt Pesch says
Becky, Kathy, and Bill,
So sorry to hear the news of your mom\’s passing. She was one of the sweetest people I\’ve ever met. Her obituary is a real tribute, and I see her smiling in my minds eye as I read it. Another great lady lost from
a great generation. Her children and grandchildren are living testaments to her life. A life that was so very well lived. Be comforted that in the fullness of time we will all be reunited with those lost to us in accordance to the Lords own plan.
All our Love,
Matt, Sherry, Claire, Rachael, and Emily Pesch
Dave & Carol Fehrer says
We are saddened to hear about the loss of your mother. She was such a wonderful and caring person. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mike Butler says
Bill and Mindy,
Sorry to hear of Jean\’s death. My prayers are with you and your family.
Michael and Laura Travis says
We are so sorry for your loss. Enjoy your wonderful memories… Jean was a very special woman and has a very special family to prove it. Lots and lots of love,
Michael, Laura, James, Will and Barrett Travis
Judy Bottorff Gaines says
Becky Kathy and Bill and families I have many fond memories growing up with your parents next door and then across the ally . ( your dad said we could be Ally Cats when you moved to Plum St. ) Your mother was always a very neat person and always had time to chatch up on the family. Please know your family will be in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Judy (Bottorff) Gaines
Jim Adelsperger says
Becky, Kathy and Bill,
I always thought your mom would live to be 100! But still, as the obituary says, she had a long life, well-lived. My mental picture of your mom is in the kitchen on Plum Street, where it seemed she was always cheerfully doing something to serve others, She set a wonderful example. And I recall fondly the last time I saw your mom, at the Christmas parade in Plymouth when we visited to inter my mom\’s ashes a few years ago.
One of my great regrets in life is that my family didn\’t get to spend more time with your family. The love that was so apparent among your mom and dad and you three was a wonder to behold. I was frankly envious. I know that love will support and strengthen you now as you grieve her loss.
I am sorry that I can\’t attend the memorial service. But I will be thinking of you three especially, along with all the other relatives that will gather to celebrate your mom\’s life.
God blessed us all when He let us know your mom for these many years.
Kathy Jung Parker says
Becky, Kathy & Billy & families,
I was so very sorry to hear of your Mom\’s passing. She was such a wonderful person. So many great memories growing up next door to all of you. Way too many memories to even begin to write down. I am so sorry we can\’t be at the funeral. We will be out of town. You are all in our thoughts & prayers as you go through this difficult time. Our parents are all together again, though, watching over us all. Love to you all..
Don & Kathy Jung Parker
Michael Chippas Family says
Bill and Mindy, we will keep you and your family in our prayers. I never met her but from all of the comments she must have been a wonderful, loving mother. Bill, you are a testament to that. Your faith and the prayers and support from your family and friends will help you through this difficult time.
Pat Kuskye says
To the Langdon Family,
We were saddened to hear of Jeanie\’s death. She was a very special lady. Her new life is well deserved!
Knowing this and all your great memories will help through this time of sorrow.
Sincerely sorry we couldn\’t make to the viewing.
The Kuskye Family (Pat Hartman)
Jack Johnson says
Aunt Jeannie was a great woman who will be missed. I will always remember her wonderful sense of humor and kindness.
Cindy Flagg says
My prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time. Jean was a lovely lady and I am happy I was able to spend time with her while she was at Miller\’s. I know she cherished her family and friends.