| Sources |
- [S445] Kindel Family History, (http://kindel.us/FamHist/Index.html).
- [S926] Find-A-Grave, (www.findagrave.com).
Jean Kindel Garvey
Birth: 3 Feb 1922 Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas, USA
Death: 30 Dec 2012 (aged 90) Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas, USA
Burial: Mission Chapel Mausoleum, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas, USA
Plot: MC - E Corr Chapel - Row P - Level 3
Memorial #: 102865138
Bio: Jean Garvey spent a lifetime helping others, but she was particularly passionate about encouraging children in their education.She didn't just talk about it, though.After World War II interrupted her college education, she returned years later to get her degree from Friends University in 1988 at the age of 66. She and her husband, Willard, co-founded Wichita Collegiate School in 1963 and the Independent School in 1980.Mrs. Garvey, 90, died at her home Sunday night.With her family gathered around her over the weekend, Ann Garvey said her mother's final words were, "There's more to be done, more children, more families to help."Her family and friends described her as gracious, caring and selfless. She was a strong supporter the Salvation Army, headed up the Goodwill Industries campaign and was presented the Uncommon Citizen Award by the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce in 2004."She has been a great friend to the Salvation Army and to me personally," said Maj. Douglas Rowland, who heads up the organization in Wichita. "Spending time with her was always a pleasure."This is really a sad thing for the community. She had a love for kids. She was always happy, always joyful, always had a smile on her face, always positive. We all could learn a lot from that spirit and who she was."A spirit that kept her active up to her final days.In May, she attended an event at Orpheum Theater, where she donated $1 million for the theater's renovation.In early December she attended the dedication of the new downtown YMCA. She and Willard, a Wichita businessman and philanthropist who died in 2002, were had been stronger supporters of the Y.Thanksgiving this year saw 50 family members and friends gather at her house in east Wichita. On Dec. 18, her home was the party scene for 30 family members, complete with singing carols and a visit from Santa Claus.Children were always at the forefront of what Mrs. Garvey did. That's not surprising considering she and Willard had six children, 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.The Garveys and other parents started Collegiate, where her children attended. But she also wanted to provide a private school that would meet the need for all students at a modest price, which resulted in starting the Independent School."School is where my heart is," Mrs. Garvey told a gathering in 2010 during a celebration of the school's 30th anniversary.She grew up in Riverside, graduated from North High School and was attending what was then Wichita University with plans to be a Latin American diplomat when WWII started in 1941. She left school to work for Swallow Aircraft in Wichita and later as a file clerk at Boeing.After the war, she met a WWII veteran on a blind date over Christmas. By their second date, on New Year's Eve, Willard Garvey was talking about marrying the attractive brunette.They were married April 18, 1946.She had traveled very little up to that point, never going farther west than Denver or south of Oklahoma City and east to Cincinnati to attend the opera with her grandparents. But over their 56 years of marriage, she and Willard would travel around the world together. But she also was devoted to her community and family. She was active in her church, the Second Church of Christ Scientist."She never did anything for her own glory," Ann Garvey said. "She did these things just because it was the right thing to do."A memorial service will be at the Orpheum at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Broadway Mortuary is in charge of the services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to the Independent School, 8317 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67207.
Gravesite Details Parents: George Kindel & Leota E. Kindel
Family Members
Parents
George Kindel 1884-1949
Leota Elue Brown Kindel 1902-1993
Spouse
Willard White Garvey 1920-2002
Siblings
James Phil Kindel 1925-1996
Created by: Mayflower Pilgrim 332 (47081711)
Added: 31 Dec 2012
URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/102865138/jean-garvey
Citation: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 15 July 2020), memorial page for Jean Kindel Garvey (3 Feb 1922?30 Dec 2012), Find a Grave Memorial no. 102865138, citing Mission Chapel Mausoleum, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas, USA ; Maintained by Mayflower Pilgrim 332 (contributor 47081711) .
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1922 - 2012 (90 years)
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