Jean Marie Bigner

Jean Marie Frances Keary Bigner was born on January 28, 1936 in Huntington, New York to John P. Keary, Sr. and Katherine A.Grady Keary.  She was called home on May 25, 2024.

Jean was raised in New York along with her siblings Barbara, John, and Daniel.  She attended high school at Bishop McDonald in Brooklyn. It was an earned honor to attend this all-girls school.

Jean married Donald "Buzz" K. Brown in 1958.  To this union three children were born Elizabeth, Patrick, and Joseph. Jean and Buzz parted ways after moving to San Diego.

Jean later met and married Jake Leroy Bigner on October 17, 1963.  Jake was in the Navy. Although he spent many months out to sea, he remained stationed in San Diego and Jean and Jake raised their family there. During this time Jean attended college night classes and worked in accounts payable for the Honeywell Corporation until the family moved to Denver in 1976.

In the summer of 1977, the family moved to Wray, Colorado upon Jake's retirement from the Navy. In Wray Jean did secretarial and accountant work for Bowman Farms as well as Ron Peterson. She supported the family restaurants, El Patio and LaFamilia.

Jean was a woman of strong faith. She was an active member of Saint Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary, and the Shepherds of Bethlehem. Jean, along with her church family, made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Yugoslavia and visited the Blessed Mother’s Appearance in August of 1988. A journey which strengthened her faith.
She was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Wray Elks Lodge along with Jake. She enjoyed crocheting, collecting quilts, antique shopping, watching the Broncos, playing cards, canning, cooking, and Friday night dancing.  She spent cherished time traveling with Dean and Betty Perry. Jean loved bringing joy to others. She had a big heart, gave generously, and deeply loved her family and friends.

Jean was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and dear friend. Our beloved Nanny and Nanny Jean. She was a strong Irish woman and a daughter of God.  She was fiercely loved and will be forever missed. Jean would want to leave you all with this Irish blessing.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.  May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his Hand.

Jean is proceeded in death by her husband Jake and son Joseph. Her parents, John and Katherine Keary, her in-laws, Jake and Louise Bigner, sister Barbara and husband Elmer Thorne, brother John and wife Maryanne Keary, brother Daniel and wife Peggy Keary, brothers-in-law Carl, Larry, and John William Bigner and Dean Perry, and niece Joyce Larson.

She is survived by her daughter Beth Saxton and her husband Craig, and son Patrick Kevin.  Grandsons Cole Saxton, Reese Saxton and his wife Jodi, and granddaughter Lauren Saxton. Great grandchildren Gracie and Carter Saxton. Sister-in-law Betty Perry, step-daughter Lynette Armistead and her family, many nieces and nephews, a host of forever friends and her Hillcrest Care Center family.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith.

2 Timothy 4:7