Jean Halford

Jean Carol Halford, an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully at home March 17, 2022 at age 79, after a fierce battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jean was born to Harold and Ruth Karlsrud and was a loving sister to Gary, Diane and Mary. Raised in the Sacramento and Bay areas, she studied microbiology in college and worked as a laboratory technician for many years. Jean and her first husband Richard Holden raised two children, Shanna and Michael, in Pleasant Hill. She was a devoted grandmother to her grandsons Nate, Wilder, Jack and Eli and a wonderful mother-in-law to Jen and Steffan. Truffle, the sweet chocolate lab, was her latest doggy companion.

Jean married Bill Halford in December of 1995, becoming a resident of Atherton and Palm Springs. Bill and Jean shared a love of dogs, travel, tennis, wine, family, and service to their community. Jean loved Bill's children Robin, Blair, Sara, Gail and her husband Matt as well as Bill's four grandchildren. After Bill's death in 2009 Jean moved to Martinez where she continued to follow her passions for birding, hiking, travel, photography, gardening, and volunteering.

Jean's family and friends will remember her as a:

Tree-hugger, wildlife lover

Grandma to her grandkids

Birder, hiker, bird-counter

Dog lover

Gardener, chef

Traveler, photographer

Desert dweller, tennis player

Feminist, activist, liberal

Reader and library volunteer

Card player, puzzle solver

Wine-lover

Independent spirit

Celebration of life will be held June 11, 2022 at 2pm at the Pleasant Hill Teen Center, 147 Gregory Ln, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. We will go on a hike June 12, 2022 at 9am at Briones, details to follow at the Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jean's memory to The Audobon Society or East Bay Regional Parks