Jean Halvorson

Jean was born January 5, 1928. She came to Woods Hole the summer of 1961 with my father Harlyn Halvorson who was invited to teach at the MBL Physiology Course. They returned essentially every summer with the exception of a few sabbaticals and then moved to Woods Hole permanently in about 1988 when my father became director of the MBL. She was widowed in 2008. She had two children: me and my brother, Philip, who lives in Tucson.

Although she didn't work while raising us, Mom was trained as a psychiatric nurse. Her passions included liberal politics, cooking, reading, and crossword puzzles. My father was an avid sailor and they made many friends through the Woods Hole Yacht Club and MBL. She was particularly active in the League of Women Voters. Her connection to Woods Hole is based on 50 years of friendship through these activities.

She would also say that one of her joys is her two grandsons (my children, ages 16 and 19), both of whom adore Woods Hole despite the fact we moved away many years ago.

(Written by Lisa Halvorson, daughter of Jean)