Jean Marie Drew

Jean Marie Drew, 92, passed away on October 29, 2024, at Good Samaritan Senior Living in Indianola, Iowa.

Jean was born November 6, 1931, to Mearle and Adele (Varada) Rhinesmith in Wanaque, New Jersey. She met the love of her life, Fred, and they married in 1951 in New Jersey. Together they were blessed with five children, Robert, Paul, Diane, David, and Catia. A very important part of Jean’s life was her passion for education and teaching. She found so much enjoyment in helping others with her gift of teaching, whether it be as a special education teacher or Sunday school at her church. Jean also generously volunteered her time to teaching English as a second language at Bidwell Riverside. She was a very selfless person and she showed this wonderful quality everyday of her life. Aside from teaching, Jean also had a love for cooking, gardening, and was an avid seamstress. With her talent in seamstress, Jean would make clothing for herself, her children, and her grandchildren. In the 80s, Jean and Fred sponsored two Laotian families, that included sixteen people. Jean was a devoted member for over 60 years of the Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church in Des Moines, where she was also a member of the church choir.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Robert E. (Eleanor) Drew, Paul A. (Theresa) Drew, Diane I. Drew, David A. Drew, Catia L. (Richard) Barker, and Souphy (Thongnak) Saychareun; her seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Fred; her parents, Mearle and Adele; and her brother, Paul F. Rhinesmith.

Family will be greeting friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home; 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church; 6205 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. Jean will be laid to rest at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Cumming, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church in loving memory of Jean.

Service times pending.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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