Jean Ann (Otte) Seward
Jean Ann (Otte) Seward died June 9, 2019 at Clements University Hospital, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX. Jean’s earthly debut occurred September 5, 1946 in Quincy, Illinois, as the daughter of Charles “Charlie” Virgil Otte and Elizabeth “Betty” Jean Fisk. She married Rudy Ray Seward on September 6, 1969. Jean completed coordinated degrees from Mayo Foundation’s School of Physical Therapy Graduate Program, Rochester, Minnesota, and Quincy University’s Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1969. Jean cherished family time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family and was often the glue that cemented the close family ties she treasured. Jean doted on her precious grandchildren and eagerly anticipated the arrival this summer of her fifth grandchild. “My favorite people call me Grandma,” she always said. Her loving, generous spirit will live on in their lives.
In addition to her family, Jean treated all humankind with love, honor, dignity, and compassion in many Physical Therapy (PT) and related positions starting in Illinois and then Texas in 1973. Extraordinary contributions include first PT Coordinator for the first Home Health Agency in Denton County in 1975, establishing home health Contract and Consulting Services in 1975 that became JSCCS Corporation in 1990, Rehab Director of PT services and coordinator of Prenatal Education for Flow Memorial Home Health and Hospital from 1982-1987, Agency Director, Trinity Home Health/Concepts of Care/Health Corp from 1987-1989, President of Parkinson and Caregivers Together support group starting in 1992, Founder and President of Seniors in Motion Inc. (SIMs) non-profit senior fitness facility starting in 2003.
SIMs began as a mission of health and wellness but morphed into Jean’s most important ministry. She helped countless seniors rehab from surgery, promoted their fitness through education and exercise, and promoted interpersonal social support. Seniors touched by her gained strength, agility, and dignity. She received many nominations for sainthood and many awards in the gerontology, hospice, and social work communities. To keep her ministry going, she increasingly sacrificed her time and income (and discovered in the fall of 2017 her health). Her passionate prayer is for others to continue SIM’s spirit and ministry to be motivated to take good care of their bodies and inspire others, as well, through example and encouragement. SIMs participants and student interns who absorbed the SIM spirit will carry it forth and pass it on to others by giving one another tenderness, joy, mercy and strength. SIMs spirit will ripple on through to others, just as a tossed stone creates ripples in a pond.
Jean is survived by husband and sons Rudy Allyn Seward (Vickie) of Lewisville, TX and Erik Seward (Caroline) of Denton, TX; sister Mary Jo Duesterhaus (Stanley) of Rochester, II and brother Charles “Chuck” Virgil Otte, Jr. (June) of Quincy, IL; sister-in-law Pat Otte of Quincy, IL, mother-in-law Corine Doris Seward, brother-in-law Otis Russell Seward (Barb), and four grandchildren Colin Philip, Madeline Louise, Flynn Michel and Charlotte Mae Seward, baby to be born, plus 4 nieces and 3 nephews.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, brother Daniel William Otte, and niece Samantha June Otte.
Jean will live on in our hearts and minds as an angelic beacon star for eternity. The colossal cluster of beautiful radiant lily blooms in our garden the morning after her physical passing affirmed Jean’s spirit taking her hallowed place among the stars.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund at Community Foundation, 4531 Maine Street, Suite A, Quincy, IL 62305 or online at https://www.mycommunityfoundation.org/give-now .
A visitation will be held at Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery Funeral Home, Denton, Texas. Local Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 1:30 PM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 12:30 PM until the time of the services at 1:30 PM. Arrangements are with Duker and Haugh Funeral Home, 823 Broadway, Quincy, IL 62301
My sympathies to Rudy and the entire Seward and Otte families.
Mary Jo please accept my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
My heartfelt sympathy to all the family. Mary Jo and Chuck, your sister accomplished so much good for others. Beautiful legacy. God Bless. Dory Scheufele McNett.
Just want to extend my sympathy to you and your family on your loss.
Jeanne was my cousin and best friend the first few years of my life. I’m saddened that we drew apart and I didn’t make enough of an effort to become friends again. Reading about her makes me so admire her and the family she was a part of.
I met Jean when I was about 12 years old. My sister, Carolyn and I visited a Great Aunt and Uncle who lived across the street from the Otte’s on Broadway. We played “dress up” with Jean and Mary Jo. We went on a “hike” around the block and got lost! Jean and I graduated from QND in the same class. She will be missed. My sympathy to all of her family.