Born on August 19, 1918, she left this earth at age 93 in Bryan, TX on the first day of spring, her favorite season, after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her father, Lynn Cleaveland Storey, and her mother, Claire Funk Storey, and is survived by her husband of 72 years, Edward J. Rydman, of Bryan.
Jean is also survived by her four children: Jay (Karen) Rydman, Dallas, TX; Nancy Ellis, Santa Fe, NM; Suzy (Clark) Straw, LaJolla, CA, and Chrissy (Kelly) Hester, College Station, TX; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Born in Lincoln, NE, Jean graduated from high school in East Orange, NJ, and as a young beauty was photographed for a Kodak ad campaign by Edward Steichen, a giant figure in the history of photography. Her photograph was included in the definitive “Steichen, A Life in Photography” published, in collaboration with The Museum of Modern Art, by Doubleday in 1963.
But becoming a model was not of interest to Jean, and she went on to college at Ohio State University in Columbus, where she earned a degree in journalism and met and later married her husband. Throughout her years of childrearing in Columbus, and later, in Dallas, TX, Jean maintained an avid interest in reading, writing and in volunteer service for causes dear to her heart.
In retirement, she moved with her husband to Santa Fe, where their hikes through the mountains and arroyos, and the ever-present beauty of the New Mexico landscape, brought her the greatest joy. She was a dedicated volunteer in the early days of Santa Fe’s Farmers Market and in fundraising for the Santa Fe Community Foundation.
Jean will always be remembered for her unfailing kindness to others, her quiet, competent manner, and her ready smile.
Her life will be celebrated at a private family memorial in Bryan. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Brazos Valley Hospice or the College Station Education Foundation.