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Obituary For Jean Grose Bullard
Ida Jean Grose-Bullard (nee Harel), age 93, of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2024 in her home. Born in Ontario, Canada on September 22, 1930 to Charles and Evelyn (Miller) Harel. Jean married Gerald H. Grose in 1952 in Manitoba with whom she had four children. As a family they relocated to four provinces and more than 26 states.
After Jean and Gerry divorced, she returned to school. Having only an 8th grade education, and determined to succeed, not only did she graduate from the Murray State University in Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 1983, but she followed with a Licensed Masters in Social Work from Highlands University, in Las Vegas in 1988.
In 1986, Jean moved to Truth or Consequences, NM, and settled in town working at the New Mexico Veterans Center as Director of Human Services. She enjoyed playing bridge and being a Goren Bridge Instructor. Jean met Richard "Dick" Bullard at a Bridge game, and they married June 1992. She discovered her love of travel and cruise ships on her honeymoon. They split their time between T or C and his home of Maxwell, Iowa. In 1993, Jean began her private practice as a counselor treating Vietnam Vets for the VA at her office next to her home in T or C.
Jean had a special appreciation for the power of education and worked with GED students and sponsored College and University scholarships for Indigenous Veteran students both in the US and Canada. Her work with Veterans was extensive and included acquiring resources for local families, especially those of Vietnam Veterans, and reestablishing the WWI Geronimo outpost group. She donated her son's, Sgt. Michael G Grose, uniform and memorabilia to the Veteran's Memorial Park and Hamilton Military Museum here in Truth or Consequences. Her passionate support of Indigenous Veterans came from her family history of military service and her Red River Métis heritage.
Jean was very involved in her community and was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, R.S.V.P., D.A.V.A., American Legion, V.F.W. Aux., and the Hot Springs Group Senior Center for over 20 years.
Jean is preceded by husband Richard Bullard; former husband Gerald H. Grose; son Sgt. Michael G. Grose; daughter, Lynn K. Grose; son, James M. Grose (Peggy); son, David T. Grose (Lois), brother, Charles Harel; and sister, Edith Harel.
She is survived by her grandchildren Jessica L. Kiser of Seattle, WA; Renee L. Jewell of Wilmington, DE; Jason M. Grose (Ashley) of Claymont, DE; Rachael Anya Roy (Daryl) of Smyrna, DE; James R. Grose (Yassmine) of Dover, DE; Sara Collins (Travis) of Duluth, MN; sisters Lorraine Shannon, Joyce Terranova, Rechenda Munroe Constantineau and Jip Monroe all in Canada; as well as nieces and nephews, and great grandchildren in Canada and USA.
A Memorial Service will be held at Kirikos Funeral Home on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. followed by a Graveside Service at Vista Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The Services will be livestreamed using the link below.
Live Stream Links
LivestreamCondolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceI am proud to call myself Jean's Canadian niece from her big brother Charlie.
To me, Auntie Jean was always "bigger than life". My parents left all their extended family that lived in Eastern Canada – Ontario and Manitoba - and headed to Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta early in their marriage in 1952. So I did not grow up living in the same area as any of my aunties and uncles. I got to know them only through occasional visits to our acreage, letters and telephone calls. And in my Auntie Jean's case – through my dad's stories.
He told me that I was named after his favourite sister – Ida Jean – and that is why my middle name is also Jean. He said even as a little girl she also had a twinkle in her eyes and a mischievous grin.
Over the years, Fort Saskatchewan - my mom and dad's home - would be a meeting place for Jean and her sisters to visit. It just made sense that they would come from separate ends of North America at the same time to the same place – to visit. All of my dad's sisters were "head turners" – and when the blonde (Lorraine), brunette (Edith) & red-head (Jean) were about the small town of Fort Saskatchewan in the mid '60's – well it caused quite a commotion. I still remember my dad – just shaking his head – as men were tripping over themselves to try to turn one of sister's heads. Over the years – Auntie Jean came and stayed with us many times – sometimes with her sister Lorraine – and other times with her sister Joyce. She was full of stories, quick witted, loved playing bridge – and it was pretty well a party every time those Aunties showed up as out came the guitars and instruments and the house was filled with singing and dancing.
Auntie Jean was there for major events as well – Mom & Dad's 40th Anniversary, unfortunately her health kept her from their 50th celebration – but she was there less than a year later to be with us when my father was dying. Her and her sister Lorraine helped us through that difficult time.
My husband and I were lucky to be able to visit with Auntie Jean several times in Truth or Consequences. And she was a marvelous hostess. She ensured we stayed at the right hotel, saw the best local areas of interest, had the best meals, and was a wealth of information when it came to anything that had to do with New Mexico.
Auntie Jean has been a good example to me and my sister and our families with regards to going after what you really want – even if it seems impossible. She set the bar with her educational achievements – really letting us know that it is never too late. And in today's changing world – it's good to know that we have it in our gene's to start over and never stop dreaming.
I will miss our visits, our phone calls and her stories. In my heart, I know that Jean is at peace, has reconnected with her children who passed before her and maybe enjoying a tune or two with my mom and dad.
Cindy Jean Cook
I loved my Aunty Jean and have many fond memories of her coming to visit my mom and dad (her brother Charles) in Alberta when I was a child. She was very kind and had a way with words. It is to bad that we lived so far apart from each other but was blessed to call her Auntie. Rest in Peace Auntie Jean
Tammy Watson
I loved my Aunty Jean and have many fond memories of her coming to visit my mom and dad (her brother Charles) in Alberta when I was a child. She was very kind and had a way with words. It is to bad that we lived so far apart from each other but was blessed to call her Auntie. Rest in Peace Auntie Jean
Tammy Watson
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