Jean Rockwell Beach
1929 - 2019
Jean’s talents were many. She was an artist, author and a passionate Saginaw historian. Her work - both her artwork and writing - frequently celebrated our community and its people. She loved sharing what she had learned. For those of us fortunate enough to know her, she was our definitive source for information about all things Saginaw.
Jean Beach’s obituary hints at the breadth of her work and accomplishments:
“The daughter of the late Hiel M. Rockwell Sr. and Elizabeth Liebermann Rockwell, Jean was born December 22, 1929, in Saginaw, MI. She attended Saginaw schools and was graduated from Saginaw High School in 1947. She received her BFA from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1951 and continued to be a lifelong learner. In May 1962 she married Glenn M. Beach.”
“Jean was an accomplished writer who was known for her interesting stories of people and places in Saginaw. She has written several books, including “A Century on Canvas” about the art careers of Julia and Henry Roecker, three Saginaw Hall of Fame volumes, and “Undefeated” with Don Steel.
Additionally, Beach authored histories of First Congregational Church Saginaw, Pit and Balcony Community Theater, and the Saginaw historical cookbook, “Savoring Saginaw” with Patricia Shek, which won the top award in the Saginaw News Critic Choice in 2007. Unique accomplishments include creating the “Slim Chipley;” character for Paramount Potato Chips and starring as “Miss Merryweather” on WNEM Channel 5 in Saginaw. As a recognized artist with exhibits throughout Michigan art museums, Jean was in various shows held at the Saginaw Art Museum, where she was awarded Best of Show in 1998.”
This list continues; however, no list could completely enumerate Jean’s talents or capture the generosity, passion, and enthusiasm with which she shared them.
Written by Tom Trombley:
She used her talents as an artist and writer to uniquely capture and preserve Saginaw’s story. Her work enriched our community and touched many lives. In her writing and art, Jean left a tangible legacy. Her quest for knowledge and sharing it were contagious.