Obituary of Jean C. Grant-Leslie

Jean C. Grant-Leslie, Ph.D., age 78, passed away Friday, April 3, 2015. Jean was born July 22, 1936 in Ann Arbor, Michigan the second of five children of Lowell and Myrtle (Bloss) Bellen. Jean graduated from Dundee High School in 1954. She was active in many clubs, social activities and was Yearbook Editor. Jean received her B.A. from Eastern Michigan University and went on to receive her Ph.D. in Art Education from Central Michigan University. Jean valued education and was an advocate for Art and the Humanities throughout her lifetime. She began her teaching career within Dundee Community Schools in 1964. She first taught 2nd grade, then taught Art in both the Elementary School as well as the High School. In early 1972 Jean began teaching Art within the Department of Defense School System (DoDDS). Her job required Jean to move often and she lived in many countries worldwide such as Japan, Cuba, Bermuda, Italy and London, England. Jean travelled extensively and often took her students to tour many of the great museums within Europe. Jean organized and displayed art work of students throughout the regions in The Young at Arts Festivals. Jean achieved the position of Arts and Humanities Coordinator of Central London, UK. She was a mentor and supporter to colleagues. Her plan for developing a Humanities curriculum with the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. created a phenomenal experience for DoDDS Art Educators to develop and design curriculum. DoDDS students have benefited from it over 30 years. Jean resided in London until her retirement in 2000. Jean went on to live in Nova Scotia, Canada before settling in South Haven, Michigan. Jean was preceded in death by her husbands, Louis Whitton, William Grant and Lloyd Leslie. She is survived by her daughter, Leslie VanBuskirk of Indianapolis, IN, her granddaughter Katherine VanBuskirk and fiancé Matt Skirvin of Franklin, IN as well as her brother Jerry Bellen DDS, sisters Joan(the late Lehr) Roe, Jane (Herbert) Wertenberger, Judy (the late Alfred) Daniels, all of Dundee, many nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Monday, May 18, 2015 from 10 AM until a memorial service at 11 AM at Cover Funeral Home in Dundee. Officiating will be Rev. Douglas Olsen. In accordance with Jean’s wishes cremation has been held. Memorials may be made to the Dundee Elementary Art Fund or to the Monroe County Humane Society.