Jean Carol Adair

April 21, 1935-April 7, 2015

Jean Carol Adair, former long-time resident of Homer, died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of April 7, 2015, in Oceanside, Calif., just two weeks shy of her 80th birthday.

A native of Detroit, Mich., she was born April 21, 1935. In 1963 Jean moved to California with her three daughters. In 1966 she met and married the love of her life, Holly Adair, a widower with four children, who adopted her girls. Together they raised their seven children in Covina, Calif. They all enjoyed baseball, with all the kids being in little league, pony league and school sports up through college and semi-pro. The family spent more time at the ballpark than at home. Jean was president of the West Covina Baseball League Women’s Auxiliary for many years. The kids always laughed as she had the heaviest purse, carrying a huge wrench to change the coke carbon dioxide tanks at a moment’s notice. Jean pitched in and helped husband Holly, who was manager of the Cardinals team and president of the league, running bases in practice. She was also a great scorekeeper at every game and knew all the player’s stats.

Jean was a very talented upholsterer. She ran her own business with friend Marie for many years. She was always amazed at the things she found that were used for stuffing furniture pieces. She did some great tuck and roll in family cars, too. “We treasure the special pieces of furniture she did for us all,” the family said.

Jean moved with her husband to Homer in 1981 where they became known and well liked, taking over the General Store on the Spit for many years until it burned down. Together they owned and ran Raven Marine charters with two boats and fished halibut for tourists, cleaning and bagging fileted fish for patrons to ship home. Jean was truly a tough woman who adapted to the Alaska life and really enjoyed the experience of a life time there. After retiring from fishing, later they would open Bel Fountaine Old Tyme Photo Studio on the Spit. Jean collected costumes, hats and accessories from across the country on visits with family, while Holly built back drops and took photos. What a collection they had.

Jean’s favorite hobby was her quilting. She was a very active member of Kachemak Quilters for most of her years in Homer. She lovingly made quilts for her kids, grandkids, great and great-great grandkids and wedding quilts when they got married. She was a huge participant in the Mother’s Day Quilt show in Homer every year. The family appreciates all the loving cards and funny and thoughtful stories shared by the ladies who Jean adored and loved spending time with weekly for so many years.

Jean was a faithful worshiper at the Christian Science Church in Homer. “We we so appreciate the love and friendships she created there and their patience with the many loyal doggies that attended with her,” her family said.

Jean’s wishes are to have her ashes scattered over Kachemak Bay. She joins her father, Ray Griessel; husband, Holly Adair Sr.; and daughter, Tracy Adair, who pre-deceased her and also had their ashes scattered in Kachemak Bay. She also was predeceased by her grandchildren, Steven, Kenneth and Lisa Marie.

Jean is survived by her two daughters, Dawn and Mia, and Holly’s children, Holly Jr., Linda, Gary and Dale; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren, and big brother Bill Griessel.

A celebration of Jean’s life will follow next summer in Homer, possibly as a picnic with family and friends, to be announced at a later date.