Jean Marien Lange
Jean Marien Lange, 87, of Kirkwood, MO, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2023, surrounded by her family. Preceded in death by her husband, William, in 2014. Loving mother of Elizabeth Maksymczak (David, deceased 2015), Nancy Evens (Ron), and Karen Cunningham (Bill). Proud grandmother of Chris Maksymczak (Andrea), Erin Bilderback (John), Kara (Tom) Compton, Nick Evens, Will and Cameron Cunningham, and great-grandmother of Austin Bilderback and Connor and Katie Compton. Dear sister of Melvin Marien (Beverly), devoted aunt and friend.
Jean was a St. Louis native and graduated from Brentwood High School in 1953. Her father didn’t believe in women attending university, but through her own determination and persistence, Jean attended and graduated from Washington University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, concentrating her coursework in early childhood education. It was there that she met her husband, Bill. They married in 1958 and soon started a family. Jean and Bill raised three daughters to be strong and independent, selflessly giving them opportunities to pursue their dreams and cheering them on from the sidelines. Apart from one year in Kansas City and seven in Elkhart, Indiana, they made their home in St. Louis, Missouri living in Warson Woods, Des Peres and Kirkwood.
Jean had a passion for educating young children. During her 40-year career, she enjoyed teaching preschool, working as a Parent Educator for the Parents as Teachers program in the Kirkwood School District and working at the Judevine Center for Autism. It was clear that she loved teaching, and it was common for former students or parents to approach her years later to say hello and let her know she was remembered and appreciated. Jean also loved music and made it a priority for herself and her family. She loved playing the piano, sang in church choirs for over 40 years, and encouraged and passionately supported the musical and artistic pursuits of her daughters and grandchildren.
Jean was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was fun and witty, kind and caring, strong and capable with an infectious laugh and a tenacious spirit. She will live on in the hearts and minds of her entire family. Jean’s life will be celebrated in a private family gathering.
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Your laughter & your music were contagious, but it was your smile that made the day just a little brighter. Love,
Jean was my sons PAT educator 29 years ago in Kirkwood. Without her guidance, I’m not sure where he would be now. I still think about all she did for us. She was such a warm and kind person!
The obituary captures her essence and spirit. She truly was a loving and caring person and I’m so glad that she and Bill were a part of my life.
She was a wonderful woman and she and Bill raised 3 wonderful daughters…..her picture looks as tho she’s going to give that fantastic chuckle she had. So sorry Nancy, Beth and Karen.
My kids pre- schoo teacher at Kirkwood United Methodist
How fortunate they are to have know her
I remember she would have each class visit her home, because most kiddos assumed she lived at school
Jean understood young minds so well
☮️ & ❤️
Jean was a colleague of mine at KUM Preschool and my children’s teacher. She was always kind, caring and her gentleness was a gift to all the children she taught.
We were long time friends from grade school on. She is gone from my life but not from my heart. Blessed be, dear friend