Lasting Memories
Jean Lewis Fox Horn
Sept. 9, 1932-April 11, 2015
Palo Alto, California
Submitted by Lisa Horn
Jean Lewis Fox Horn passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 11, at Stanford Hospital, secondary to cardiac disease.
Jeanie was born on Sept. 9, 1932, in Summit, New Jersey, to John and Helen Fox. With her parents and two younger sisters, the family moved to East Hartford, Connecticut, in 1942, where she attended grammar school. Two years later, during World War II, the Fox family moved to the Territory of Hawaii; they traveled on a converted cement freighter, zig-zagging across the Pacific to avoid enemy detection.
Jeanie celebrated her 12th birthday on this voyage, arriving in Honolulu, Hawaii to begin eighth grade at Punahou School. She graduated from Punahou in 1949 as class valedictorian. At age 16, Jeanie entered Stanford University as a freshman, where she majored in economics, was a Stanford Dolly, met Richard ("Dick") Horn, a football player at Stanford, whom she married in 1954. After they graduated, Dick went to Stanford Medical School and became a pediatrician.
Jeanie and Dick lived in Northern California for 60 years, the last 44 in the same adobe brick home in Palo Alto, which has been a friendly and welcoming gathering spot for family and friends. Jeanie and Dick were known for opening their home over the years to numerous Stanford students, tennis players and medical students, taking them in as extended family.
Every year, Jeanie would return to Hawaii, renewing childhood friendships. Jeanie excelled at tennis (playing three times a week until her last week of life!) and enjoyed gardening, volunteering at the Children's Health Council and Bargain Box, hostessing family parties, playing bridge and Words With Friends, participating in book groups, sewing, refinishing furniture, and working on her Apple computer and iPhone.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Richard; their four children, John, Lisa, Bruce and Kristin; and their grandchildren, Mia, Cameron, Chloe and Nina. Her passing has stunned us all, as she was fit, healthy, intellectually sharp and funny, and we all felt she would live to 99 years old. We will miss her beautiful smile, and without a doubt she will leave a huge void in her family and close circle of friends, many of whom have loved her for 50 years or more.
March 4, 2016
Jean was such a bright light to me when I was a kid. Always helping me with clothing and shoes and even championing scholarships for me to take from the local pro players,(i.e. Steve Stefanki and Nick Carter) to further my love of tennis, she was firm yet compassionate to me as was Richard Horn her husband. As I found out later that she was a Virgo this made complete sense. May God be with her and her family.
March 4, 2016
Jean was such a bright light to me when I was a kid. Always helping me with clothing and shoes and even championing scholarships for me to take from the local pro players,(i.e. Steve Stefanki and Nick Carter) to further my love of tennis, she introduced me to men and women who later went on to become the top players in the world!!! Because of her I had quite a wonderful childhood regardless of the economic position of my family at the time. Jean was firm yet compassionate to me as was Richard Horn her husband. As I found out later that she was a Virgo this made complete sense. May God be with her and her family.
April 22, 2015
To the Horn family, Reading about your wife, mom, grandmother is a welcome reminder of how much I always enjoyed an encounter with any member of your crew. Thank you for the lovely photograph of Jean. I'm struck by the liveliness of her beautiful smile. This is a tough loss for your family and the wider Palo Alto/Bay Area community. Thinking about you, Pam (Gardiner) Wellin
April 21, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Horn Family Margo Ritter and Pete Hammonda
April 19, 2015
I did not have a chance to know Jeannie as well as I would have liked as we lived on opposite ends of the American shoreline. However, her father and mother opened their home to me as a teenager and I spent one year living in their home and attending Punahou. I have heard many wonderful stories about Jeannie and her sisters and am grateful to have them as part of our extended family. I know her family will miss her mightily and I pray for them and for their Mama and wife. God Bless
April 18, 2015
Jeanie was a wonderful and inviting cousin who brought us all into a world of fun-filled activities with her big, infectious smile and laugh. Perhaps as the first born of her sisters, she made it a purpose to stay connected to our far-flung extended family. One time at the onset of my career 35 or more years ago, she showed up at our doorstep in Connecticut ? which was the occasion for an instant Fox reunion since one of my sisters was visiting at the time. She seemed to delight in recounting our family characteristics - bowed legs and all. She and Dick graciously opened their home to our son Jeremy when he was studying at Stanford, and to Naomi and me when we were visiting him. Jeanie had a magical touch that brought joy to those around her. We all immediately connected under her guidance. Her energy, keen sense of adventure and loving care for all of her family will be missed.
April 17, 2015
Stunning loss. A wonderful lady who with her husband raised a magnificent family. Always bright, happy. She will be greatly missed.
April 16, 2015
Dear Horn family, AlthoughI hadn't seen her for ages, I always remember Jean for her bright, warm smile and charming personality. I know you will all miss her tremendously. Such a great lady. My heart goes out to you all. Shirley Kelleya28VF
April 16, 2015
In my darkest hour Jeanie was my hospital fairy godmother ,my recovery cheer leader. She knew just what to do. She and her sister Pat took me on outings to the sunny cheerful ambience of the best thrift shops where I began to feel like a person instead of a patient. Dick and Jeanie hosted my husband for nearly a month while I was at Stanford. Jeanie possessed a rare combination of intelligence, common sense and generosity . A talented member of a talented family. Thank you Jeanie! Adieu
April 16, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Horn Family. With much love, Margo Ritter and Pete Hammond