Jean Shanks Badalow
Age 87, of Grand Blanc, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Jean’s family will be present to receive friends at Detroit Cremation Society, 8253 S. Saginaw St. in Grand Blanc on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Jean’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.
Jean Shanks Badalow was born on July 23, 1937, in Coatbridge, Scotland, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John and Jeanie Allan. At the age of 16, Jean immigrated via passenger ship to Niagara Falls, Canada. She lived a full life with friends and family for 14 years before immigrating to the U.S. She enjoyed downhill skiing, boating, camping, and spending time at the beach. She was a skilled seamstress and made many of her and her children’s clothes. Jean had many talents including cake decorating, doll making, gardening, and crafting pageant dresses, to name a few. She was very active in her children’s lives by regularly attending both soccer and hockey games and being a co-leader for Girl Scout Troop 2578. There were many fond memories made during family trips to Florida and Kentucky. She loved spending time with her grandsons taking them to the pool, baking, working on puzzles, and watching movies.
She worked as a computer programmer using punch cards and later in patient accounting for Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn Michigan where she retired after 27 years. After raising her two children and living in Dearborn Heights for 38 years, she moved to Grand Blanc Township where she enjoyed living for the last 9 years.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Janet Sophia Badalow and son-in-law John C. Kellett, son Vaskin Allan Badalow and daughter-in-law Nicole Badalow, grandchildren Colin and Mason Badalow, her brother Harry Allan, and cousin Margaret (Wark) Scally and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jean was preceded in death by her father, John Freeland Allan, her mother Jeanie (Jenkins) Allan, sister Jesse Howarth, and longtime friends Marilyn Kiernan and Liz Blevins.
Jean was a loving mother, granny, and a good friend to many. She will be missed more than can be expressed. She has asked that donations be made in her name to St. Jude Research Hospital and the Michigan Humane Society in lieu of flowers.
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Goodbye my friend. I will miss our conversations. You and I were good at solving the world’s problems, too bad no one would listen to us! Every time I have a cup of tea, I will toast to you my friend. No more pain, no more struggles, rest in peace pretty lady. 💗
Our moms met each other back in the late 60’s. Both were working at a Ford plant, Aunt Jean was over nights doing punch cards, my mom, Liz Blevins was maintenance over nights. 2 kindred spirits with an instant connection. Life long friendship full of so many precious memories. I can just see the reunion in heaven, hugs and giggles!
Dear Janet and Vaskin, and your families, our condolences to you at the loss of your mother. It sounds like she lived a full life of family, friends and experiences, and will certainly be missed but not forgotten.
Hopefully she enjoyed her time here in Grand Reserve as we have.
Dear Janet & John, Vaskin, Nicole, Colin & Mason;
Losing someone so special is incredibly difficult. I’m holding you all in my heart and sending love. Knowing words cannot truly ease your pain, may you find comfort in the love and memories you shared with your mom and granny.
Rest in Peace Aunt Jean
Janet, John, and family,
Our deepest condolences to you for your loss. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort.
Dear Jan & John, Vaskin, Nicole, Colin & Mason:
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom, she was a great mom, granny and friend and loved her family dearly. We talked pretty much every week or so, she always told me about how smart and kind Colin and Mason are, she loved being their Granny. I know she is at peace now and no longer suffering, she will truly be missed and I will miss our conversations, she always had great advise when needed and a great outlook on life. May your wonderful memories give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Rest in Peace my friend!
Dear Janet,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you find peace and comfort in the happy memories you shared with her.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
With sympathy,
Steve
Goodbye my friend. I will miss our conversations. We seemed to solve all the world’s problems, too bad no one listened to us. I will toast to you every time I have a cup of tea. Thank you for being my friend. Rest in peace pretty lady.
Jan and Vaskin,
Sorry for the loss of your mom.