Jean H. Engibous

Jean Harkness Engibous, age 90, of New Philadelphia passed away in her home on Tuesday morning, July 18, 2017.
Jean was born November 30, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Russell M. and Myrtle (Healy) Harkness.
Jean attended the University of Michigan, graduating from the School of Nursing in 1948. She worked as an RN in various areas including obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatry until 1952 when she married her husband, David L. Engibous, also a University of Michigan graduate.
On August 23, 1952 they married and then moved to Midland, Michigan with Dow Chemical. While in Michigan, they were blessed with the birth of their four children. Then, they moved to Zurich, Switzerland as they were transferred with Dow. While overseas, David and Jean enjoyed traveling throughout Europe before being transferred back to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and later Lake Jackson, Texas. Retirement brought them to New Philadelphia in 1988.
Jean’s life was happy and she loved projects, new life in the family, helping out and being part of each community where she lived. She and David were named Citizens of the Year in 1997, an honor bestowed upon them by the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce.
Jean was honest and forthright, and always had an opinion. “Often wrong, but never in doubt” as her husband would say.
She leaves behind a wonderful family including her husband, David; her children, Elaine (Dr. Blair) Holder of New Philadelphia, Doris (Partner, Cathy Ryan) Engibous of Minneapolis, MN, Bill (Leigh Ann) Engibous of The Woodlands, TX, and Judy Engibous of Boston, MA; grandchildren, Katie (Brad) Speed of High Point, NC, Dr. David (Kristen) Holder of Winston Salem, NC, Lisa, Sarah, Emily and Elizabeth Engibous all of The Woodlands, TX; and great-grandchildren, Ellie and Mia Holder and Lanie and Ryan Speed. Last, but never least, are her adopted grandchildren, Liza and Emma Bailey.
At Jean’s direction, no public visitation or services will be held at this time. A memorial service will take place during Thanksgiving season.
Memorial contributions in Jean’s memory may be directed to the Tuscarawas Community Foundation, 1323 4th St NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, where her husband served as executive director for 9 years.

** This obituary was written by Jean in 2009, prior to Alzheimer’s taking that ability from her.