Jeanne, age 79, died at her home in Oak Harbor on Jan. 25, 2016, after a brief fight with cancer.
She was born and raised in Useldange, Luxembourg, on Sept. 25, 1936, to Marcel and Thérése (Schutz) Ernst.
She was originally married to William Williams, who was with the U.S. Air Force; the two had three children. The family was transferred from Germany to Maine, from Maine to California, and from California to Hawaii, where Jeanne and William were divorced.
Jeanne was working as a waitress at the Pearl City Tavern when she was introduced to Carlton Wilson, a sailor with the U.S. Navy and the love of her life. She and Carlton were married and soon transferred to San Diego, where she worked as a manager at Der Weiner Schnitzel, or as she referred to it: “The Weenie House.”
The Wilson family was next transferred to NAS Whidbey Island in Washington state. They settled in Oak Harbor and then moved to Greenbank. Jeanne eventually became manager of the Officer’s Club at NAS Whidbey.
Jeanne left the O Club and began a very successful career in real estate, starting with Loganberry Hill Realty in Greenbank, moving on to Tara Properties, and ultimately concluding her career with Remax Acorn Properties. Real estate became her passion.
Jeanne was an avid “do good-er” and is known for her generous heart and kindness towards others. Always giving, she dedicated time and resources to Habitat for Humanity, the Oak Harbor Lions and the Emblem Club #450. She also decorated trees for the Boys and Girls Club Festival of Trees Auction, many of which received top dollar bids. A long-time member of the Oak Harbor Yacht Club, she was often active with merchandise sales during Race Week. She is also known for speaking her mind, and had definite ideas of right and wrong in four different languages — English, French, German and Luxembourgish. Jeanne was always busy with a “Martha Stewart” type approach to life. She was an excellent cook and seamstress, she crocheted and worked needlepoint, and she was able to get a stain out of anything. She loved arts and crafts and decorating. She enjoyed working outdoors and had the most beautiful geraniums in town.
Jeanne is survived by her three children: Patty Folkestad (husband Dale) of Coupeville, William Williams (wife Adele) of Central Point, Ore., and Tessa Gavin of Oak Harbor; and by two stepsons: Don Wilson (wife Michelle) of Tampa, Fla., and Carlton “Chuck” Wilson of Kauai, Hawaii. Six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive. She was preceded in death by her husband and soulmate Carlton Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Jeanne’s commitment to improving her local community, please make a donation in her name to either Habitat for Humanity, Oak Harbor Lions Club, or Oak Harbor Emblem Club #450. Please visit Jeanne’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC of Oak Harbor.
