Eittreim, Jean (Brown) 1933 - 2014

EITTREIM, BROWN, HILLS, KELLY

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 12/5/2014 at 14:44:40

Jean Brown Eittreim, 81, of Robbinsdale, Minn., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family Nov. 26, 2014, after a heroic 59-year battle against cancer. A memorial service is at 11 a.m. Dec. 12, at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church.

Jean was born Oct. 2, 1933, in Decorah, to Lloyd and Lily Brown. In 1955, Jean was married to Orrin Eittreim and graduated from Luther College, embarking on a career in teaching that spanned over 30 years. As a Minneapolis Public Schools teacher, Jean was a pioneer in the open school concept, helping to found Marcy Open School in the early 1970s. After her retirement in 1994, Jean remained busy as an education consultant and social justice advocate, focused on improving academic achievement among inner-city youth. An active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Jean was a shining example of Christian faith.

She is survived by her sister, Margaret Hills (George); children: Steve (Laurie), Julie, Dan (Heidi); grandchildren: Curisa, Aaron (Latia), Brandon, Matthew (Kristin), Amanda Kelly (Nick), Amber, Brianna; great-grandchildren: Rebeccah, Jaden, Gavin, Cyann, Mason, Garrett and Wesley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Orrin, and son David.

Source: Decorah Newspapers December 02, 2014