Margaret Jean Towne passed away peacefully on April 24, 2018 in Fair Oaks at the age of 85. Jean was born in Bakersfield, CA on August 23, 1932 to Elsie J and Walter C Stormont. She was the ninth of twelve children, a sibling to Elsie, Esther, Joy, Lydia, Barbara, James, John, Samuel, Richard, Gilbert, and Theodore. She is survived by her two sisters Joy Bircher (Ray) and Barbara Lewis, as well as her children Douglas Towne (Linda), Peggy Willis (Kirk), Susan Towne (Fatai), and Gordon Towne. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ashley Sandor (Bryan), Brittany Willis, Eric Willis, Paul Towne (Hope), Timothy Towne (Corinne), Joseph Towne, Alexis Adebodun, and great-grand-children Stella and Jack Sandor, and Carter Erwin. Jean attended San Francisco State University, graduating in 1954 with a Bachelor's degree and teaching credentials in Education for Elementary. While attending SFSU, she met her husband Donald Towne; the couple married after Jean's graduation and they relocated to Sacramento in 1957, their home of over 60 years. Jean worked in Sacramento Unified School District for over 20 years as a teacher and aide. Donald and Jean were happily married for over 63 years and Jean stood faithfully by Donald's side until his passing in December of 2017. She was a volunteer for Loaves and Fishes, SSEP Food Closet, as well as a member of the Florin United Methodist Church family for over 50 years. She was a kind, strong, and devoted wife, mother, and friend who will be truly missed. A viewing will be held at Harry A. Nauman & Sons Funeral Home, 4041 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento from 6-8pm. A Celebration of Life will be held May 11th @ 11am at Florin United Methodist Church. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Loaves and Fishes or Florin United Methodist Church.
Published in The Sacramento Bee on May 6, 2018