Jeanne Anne Svien, 62, of Oak Harbor, passed away July 26, 2006 in Bellingham after a long battle with illness.

Jeanne was born April 28, 1944 in San Mateo, Calif., to Al and Helene Fisher. She grew up on the coast in Tillamook, Ore., and spent much of her life there exploring the beaches and reading.

As a child, Jeanne became known for always having her nose in a book. It was a habit she continued her entire life as she devoured everything from biographies to mysteries.

She met her loving husband, Marlo, in Tillamook and they married on Oct. 25, 1969. They were married 34 years, until his death in 2003.

They had one son, David, and one daughter, Sarah. Some of Jeanne’s happiest times were those spent with her grandson, Ford Svien.

From his first days as a baby, Ford occupied a swinging chair next to his grandma as she conducted business as a tax preparer. She operated Svien’s Tax Service for many years in downtown Oak Harbor.

She is survived by her son David Svien of Coupeville, daughter Sarah Kirkconnell and husband Matthew and her grandson Ford Svien, all of Maple Valley.

She is also survived by her sisters, Loni Kuberka and Vikki Machuga, both of Oak Harbor; and brother, Allen Fisher of Tillamook.

Jeanne was a faithful servant as one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses for 40 years.

Services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 7 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 301 NE Ronhaar St., Oak Harbor.