Frances Jean Whitney

Sep 4, 1932 -

Feb 22, 2024

Frances Jean Whitney passed away on Feb. 22, 2024, at her home in Eagle River, Alaska, after a long illness. She is preceded in death by her mother, Elsie Wilhemena Orr; and father, Edmund Whitney Orr. She is survived by daughters, Lisa Wienhold, Kathy Wienhold, and Maria Raynes; son-in-law, Brian Raynes; and grandchildren, Kaelan Raynes, Jared Raynes and Abbey Raynes. Jean was a devoted mother and grandmother and she is terribly missed by all.

Jean was born in Brainerd, Minn., and after college, taught music in area schools - including in her home town of Verndale, Minn. She was an accomplished pianist and vocalist and played organ for Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, Alaska, for many years.

Jean moved to Kodiak, Alaska, in 1967, and Eagle River in 1969. She raised her three girls there and was a dedicated mom and homemaker. In 1973, she returned to the workforce and worked her way up from administrative assistant to natural resource manager for the State of Alaska - handling complicated land title administration.

Jean was best known in her latter years for her wonderful quilting. She was a talented and prolific sewer - not only making quilts, but clothes for her children and grandchildren. She made and donated quilts to the annual quilt auctions for both Court Appointed Special Advocate and Friends of Pets. She won many awards at these auctions - but always said the biggest award was helping animals in need. She especially loved her own and her children's dogs and cats.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Friends of Pets, P.O. Box 240981, Anchorage, AK 99524-0981; or online at www.friendsofpets.org.