Jean Carol Herzog, a longtime resident of Penn Cove, passed away on Aug. 5 after a brief illness. She was 89.

Jean Carol was born on June 9, 1926, in Los Angeles, the only daughter of Henry Ottoson and Leone Hope (Patricia) Mowrer. She spent the majority of her childhood raised by her beloved grandparents, Willard and Carrie Mower, in South Pasadena, Calif. She graduated from South Pasadena-San Marino High School in 1944.

Jean Carol worked several years for a photography studio. The art of photography was rapidly changing, especially in Southern California. As new equipment and techniques were being developed, she found a lifelong passion in the art of photography. With her photogenic looks, she often served as a photographer’s subject and was often mistaken for a professional model. Jean Carol graduated from the Jack Powell School of Photography in 1949, specializing in portrait photography.

Jean Carol married Navy serviceman Harvey Herzog on Dec. 31, 1946. When stationed at NAWS Point Magu, Calif., Jean Carol received government clearance and worked in the photography department for the United States Navy. In 1957 they were transferred to NAS Whidbey Island in 1957 and settled in Penn Cove, where she remained until her death.

Jean Carol’s hobbies and interests were wide-ranging. She was a woman ahead of her time. A lifelong supporter of ecological issues, using only natural or recycled materials, she did everything possible to save wildlife, forests, rivers and lakes. On Whidbey Island, she was an early supporter of Whidbey Playhouse and WAIF, which she continued to support all her life.

A pianist herself, she loved music, including during the 1960s when most parents complained of their children’s records, appreciated the musicality and genius of The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Cream and many others. She was open-minded and understanding of children and teenagers and thus was considered “the coolest mom” in the neighborhood.

Jean Carol is survived by her daughter, Donna; her son, Stephen; grandchildren, Catherine, Elizabeth, Madeleine, Dana and Amy; and one great-grandchild, Mira Eve; her cousins, Ann and Kären; and her two sons, Kris and Kyle. Preceding her in death was her son, Mark.

This is a loss that will take a very long time to mend. That rare person who will always be remembered until the end of time.