In Memoriam: Jean Marie O'Neill Minch

Jean Minch died Feb. 3, 2003. Jean was born July 3, 1927, in Sumner, Washington, to Eugene and Mary Ann O'Neill. She graduated from Sumner High School and attended Seattle. University. She went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Fred "Freddy" L. Minch, Jr., in 1947. She was an ambitious businesswoman and entrepreneur, and she and Fred operated a rhododendron and azalea at their home in Puyallup, Washington.

Jean and Fred were active members of the Tacoma Chapter of the ARS for many years, and both contributed generously at the ARS district and international levels. When Fred was District 3 Director, Jean was always at his side as they conscientiously attended District 3 Chapter meetings. Jean also co-chaired the ARS Annual Convention in 1993 in Tacoma, Washington. Skilled as a photographer of rhododendrons and azaleas, Jean won many awards at photo competitions. She was an active member of the Azalea Society of America, and she, with her husband Fred, had friends all over the world they met through their shared interest in rhododendrons and azaleas.