Jean (Grapp/McIntyre) Wideman, 80, of Perrysburg, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, surrounded by her family after a short battle with cancer.
Jean was born July 22, 1940, to Elna (Lindholm) and Lloyd Grapp in Bemidji, Minnesota. Jean grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she graduated from Riverside High School in 1958. She relocated to Perrysburg, Ohio, in 1972. One of the many gifts Jean leaves to her children and grandchildren is one of resiliency and the ability to start again. Finding herself single in 1976, Jean worked full time and went to school in the evenings earning a bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Toledo in 1982. Jean’s work life led her to careers starting as a dental assistant to James Detwiler, DDS (retired), legal assistant for several attorneys and law firms, and risk management roles for the Andersons and Mercy St. Vincent’s Hospital.
Jean knew the gift of hospitality. She loved her home and garden and welcomed all who entered. Until recently, she often hosted parties for family and friends. To make you feel special, she wrapped presents elaborately and made sure the table and food were just right. Her childhood friend, Francie, said, “it was always Jeanie who lit up the room.” After dinner, the one thing she did ask is that you play your cards competitively. She played bridge, canasta, euchre and other card games, and never lost her love for a good hand. As Jean got older, she enjoyed more simple, quieter days, reading a good book on her sun porch or chatting on the phone with a good friend. From 8 to 9 a.m. daily, her phone would ring—busy talking to her good friend Joyce. One of her lifelong friends, Polly, said of her, “she had a smile that launched a thousand friendships.”
In her way of beginning again, and as she approached 70, Jean met Giles Wideman. They were blessed to find each other and married on September 9, 2009. Giles introduced Jean to football and planted the biggest flower gardens she ever had or would have again. They shared a mutual enjoyment of home and just being together.
Giles preceded Jean in death in 2013. She also was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Robert Grapp and Larry Grapp. She is survived by her children, Chris (David) Diefenthaler, Barbara (Steve) Ross and Jim (Alex) McIntyre; grandchildren, Kathryn (Rob) LaMere, Jennifer (Dave) Shumaker, Tyler Ross and Cassia McIntyre, and greatgrandchildren, Cori, Gavin, Chase LaMere, Zoe and Jacob Shumaker.
The family would like to send a heartfelt thanks to the professionals of Mercy Health - Perrysburg Cancer Center with a special recognition to two of her wonderful nurses, Premal and Leighann. The love and care of the entire oncology team was extraordinary. We also would like to extend our gratitude to the inpatient unit at Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Jean’s life on Saturday, June 19, at Perrysburg First Church (formerly First United Methodist Church of Perrysburg) at 200 West Second Street, Perrysburg. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a celebration service at 11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s name to the church. Jean will be laid to rest surrounded by family at Ft. Meigs Cemetery in Perrysburg.