Jeanne A. Varellen Rees

Jeanne Antoinette Varellen Rees, passed away on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, with her loving family by her side. Jeanne was born July 31, 1941, to Catherine Willette and John Verellen in Pinconning, Michigan, the fifth of nine children. She moved to Chelan, Washington, where she met Larry. They were married four months later in December of 1962, and were together for nearly sixty years. She is survived by her devoted husband Larry, daughters Andrea, Susan, Marcia; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; two brothers Sam (Linda) and Tony, cousin Ohma and dear friend Irene. Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Albert, William, Jim, Bernard and Robert and sister Cathy (Honey) and baby Mary.
Jeanne had a tremendous love for her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Her main interests included quilting with “the girls”, gardening, and genealogy. Her greatest passion was food; growing it, preserving it, cooking it and serving people. She passed that joy on to her children and grandchildren. She worked hard honing her skills in the kitchen and turned it into a career, teaching cooking classes at Spokane Falls Community Collage, working in local restaurants and eventually realizing her dream of her own restaurant when she and Larry opened “Jeanne’s Cuisine”. She continued to share her expertise by teaching cooking and gardening at area food banks and especially the North County Food Pantry in Elk.
She and Larry were longtime members of Whitworth Presbyterian Church and then Colbert Presbyterian Church and had a conviction of service to others. Jeanne also attended St. Joseph’s Church. These few, simple words do not capture the essence and depth of this feisty, fierce and loving woman. She is already so deeply missed but we know she is at peace with Christ. She will be 39 forever. In lieu of flowers, she would love been touched to have you donate to the North County Food Pantry, 40015 N. Collins Rd., Elk, WA 99009 or New Hope Resource Center. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, November 20th at Colbert Presbyterian Church. Please call the church for final details, 509-468-9923.