Jean Bright

Jean Bright

Aleda Jean Schutt Bright, "Jean", 95 of Kalamazoo passed away September 10, 2022, under the outstanding care of Friendship Village Health Center.

Jean was born to Richard and Carloyn Schutt on May 24, 1927, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She grew up with her two sisters learning frugality and service to others during WWII and the Great Depression.

Jean attended Western Michigan College, studying Occupational Therapy and graduating in 1949.  At Western, she met and married John Bright in June of 1949.

Together, John and Jean owned and ran Wolverine Press for over thirty years, raised three sons and built and restored several homes.

Jean worked in her field as an O.T. until giving birth to her first son. After the birth of her other two sons, she went on to start and run a preschool and later began her own silk screening business.

Many will best remember Jean for her passion and interest in historical homes, antiques, and the history of Kalamazoo. After moving with her family in 1973 to her own historic home at 436 Stuart Avenue, Jean was instrumental in founding the Stuart Area Restoration Association where she served as president and organized many years of historic homes tours.

Jean was a diligent community volunteer, serving on many boards and organizations. She also was an accomplished gardener, decorator and gracious host to those she loved to entertain in her home.

In earlier years she enjoyed camping, sailing, canoeing, and piloting small planes. She also played bridge with lifelong friends and loved giving wonderful tea parties.

Most of all, Jean was a loving, and loyal wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend. Among her greatest attributes were her patience, optimism, perseverance and kindness. 

Jean is survived by sons, Thomas Bright, Port Orford, OR; Jeffrey (Katherine) Bright, Portage, MI; two grandchildren, Lauren (Casey) Lamb, Jersey City, NJ and Jordan Bright, Kalamazoo, MI

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Shirley Mattraw and Loretta McKee and her son Steven Bright.

A celebration of her life will be held at Peoples Church, 1758 10th Street N., Kalamazoo, MI  49009 on October 9th at 2:30 P.M.

While visiting Jean’s webage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand St. in Schoolcraft. 269 679-5622