Jean, the eldest daughter of Ethel Mae nee Ollerdessen Gallop and Herbert Byron Gallop, was born on June 28, 1923, in Shanghai, China, and passed peacefully on December 16, 2017, in Anacortes, Washington.

Jean was predeceased by her husband John Schuster of Lopez Island, Washington, and her siblings George Gallop of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, Clare Overton of Patchogue, New York, and Herbert B. Gallop Jr. of South River, New Jersey, and her beloved cousin Madeline Poston of Columbus, Ohio, and best friend Martha (Stubby) Crowe of Connecticut.

Jean is survived and beloved by her nieces and nephews Susan Barnhart, Lynn Monahan, Walter Overton, Russ and Richard Gallop, Carole Matriciano and Jill Atchison and many great and great-great nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law Marge and Lois Gallop, her step-children Jeanette Ramos of Utah, Marjean (Bill) Thomson of Arizona and David (Terri) Schuster of New York, 24 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

In 1940 Jean was fortunate to have just graduated from the American School in Shanghai, China, before the family was forced to flee due to political unrest. At the tender age of 15 she was accepted into Radcliffe College in Cambridge Massachusetts. After graduating she settled in Detroit to start her career in social work which she loved. It was there she met her future husband John. After marrying at the family retreat in Lempster, New Hampshire, they made their home in Richland, Washington. John and Jean loved their vacation home on Lopez Island and eventually retired there. Jean remained there after John’s passing in 1993 until her move in 2015 to Chandler Square in Anacortes, Washington.

Jean was an avid reader with a thirst for knowledge. She enjoyed lively debates with friends and family as well as discussions with her book club. She also loved arts and crafts, especially origami, which helped her remain connected with her Asian roots. She delighted in her reunions with classmates and friends from the American School and Radcliffe.

She cherished her relationships and had many endearing friendships which lasted decades and through generations of families. She was the glue that held her family together. She truly loved them and always made sure she stayed in touch. Her family could always count on her holiday phone calls in which she took the time to connect with the younger generation. Jean always made everyone feel important. She was a wonderful woman and friend as well as a kind and loving Aunt and step mother. Jean will be terribly missed, always loved and forever in our hearts. Her life was truly enriched by the friendship, love and patience of extended family members Carl Poston of Oregon, George Poston of Seattle and Kathy Crowe Finholm of Friday Harbor.

A graveside service will be held July 11, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., Lopez Union Cemetery, Davis Bay Road, Lopez Island, Washington.

Donations in her name may be made to:

Lopez Island, Library

P.O Box 770

Lopez Island WA 98261