Jean Colleen McGiffin, 83, of Pinehurst, passed away at home on Friday, July 12, 2024. She was joined shortly thereafter by her husband of 52 years, Donald Norton McGiffin, who passed away at the First Health Hospice House on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
Jean was born February 8, 1941, in Sleepy Eye, MN. She was the daughter of the late Bernard and Lois Hanson Crouch.
A graduate from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, Jean obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She served our country in the Navy Nurse Corps during the Vietnam war, caring for patients such as Admiral Chester Nimitz. After her honorable discharge from the Navy, Jean continued her career as a surgical nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, OR. She retired from nursing to raise her daughters, be a room mom, cheer loudly at softball games, and drive to ballet lessons. Her children were her everything, and they knew it.
Donald was born June 18, 1943, in Arlington, TX. He was the only child of the late Philo Norton and Lee Shaffer McGiffin.
He graduated from the University of Texas in Austin, TX, with his bachelor’s degree in Economics. He went on to be accepted by law schools all over the country, finally choosing Stanford University. He graduated with honors, and joined the military as a Navy JAG, where he met Jean and they began their life together in Oak Harbor, WA. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, they moved to Beaverton, OR to begin their family. Don practiced law as an estate and trusts attorney for over 30 years, but always had time to throw a softball, read a story, or take his girls to the beach for the weekend.
Together, they were avid supporters of the fine arts. They taught their daughters everything from musical theater to ballet and opera. They took great joy in sharing this love with their grandchildren and made sure they were familiar with classic bands such as The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and Billy Joel.
In 2011, Don and Jean retired to Pinehurst, NC, and continued their dedication to their family by taking great joy in helping raise and support their 5 beloved grandchildren. They were active members of Bethesda Presbyterian Church until 2020, when Don’s health declined. Don served on the elder board, and they served together on the church assistance committee, providing food items to local families in need.
They are survived by two loving daughters: Katy McGiffin and husband Bryant Gauthier, of Southern Pines, and Morgan Gronewoller and husband Brian, of Peachtree Corners, GA; Jean’s siblings: William Crouch, Steven Crouch (Karen), and Linda Sanek of Minnesota, and cousin Yvonne Haas of Minnesota; treasured grandchildren, Peyton, Parker Kate, Taylor, Juan, and Marion (Mamie), as well as many loved nieces and nephews.
A joint service will be held at 2 PM on August 3 at Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen, NC. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Southern Middle School Choir Program (717 Johnson St.; Aberdeen, NC 28315).
Online condolences may be offered at www.PinesFunerals.com
Powell Funeral Home is assisting the McGiffin family.
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