Jean Mason Bayer

Born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin on June 12, 1934, Jean Mason Bayer of Sun City, AZ and Au Train, MI, passed away on June 1, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Mason, married 43 years, and son, Michael Mason. Jean is survived by her husband of 24 years, John Bayer, four children, Mary (Ricky), Peter (Kim), Paul (Moni) and David (Rachel) as well as cherished children through John: Phil and Chrysa (Erik) and Mark, who preceded her in death. Jean is also a beloved grandmother to 16 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, with a ninth on the way. A zealous advocate for women, Jean graduated from both St Joseph’s Nursing school and Alverno College, and worked in many roles at Trinity Memorial Hospital in Cudahy, WI. She served as the Director of Nursing at Columbia Hospital in Milwaukee, WI, where she led the Labor and Delivery unit and spearheaded the opening of the hospital’s Birthing Center. Jean continued her female-focused philanthropic mission into retirement as an active member of the AAUW (American Association of University Women) and P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) in Phoenix, AZ, which helps women reach for the stars. She loved travel, having explored over a dozen countries, live music, dancing, playing cards, book club, walking, Ikebana, and a good glass of chardonnay, preferably enjoyed while watching the sun set over the Au Train River. Jean had a life of helping others. She and John volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul for over a decade visiting families in need in Peoria, Arizona and served meals to families in Phoenix. Earlier in her life she and Tom volunteered at South Milwaukee Human Concerns. Jean also volunteered for many years as a docent at the West Valley Art Museum, which also included giving presentations on art to children at area schools. Jean will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A funeral mass is planned at Divine Mercy Church 800 Marquette Ave, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172, on Saturday, July 22, 2023. On site visitation at 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 3800 E. College Ave, Cudahy, WI 53110. Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to: Father Carr’s Place 2B, 1062 N. Koeller St., Oshkosh, WI 54902 920-231-2378. https://fathercarrs.org or your charity of choice. A special thank you to family and friends who have supported our family the past month along with the Boswell Banner Health staff, and Hospice of the Valley team.