2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Veronica “Jean” O’Day, 96, a long-time resident of Two Harbors, MN and recently Sundance, WY, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
Jean was born on December 24, 1926 in Wem, England. Jean is survived by her daughter, Wendy, of Spearfish, SD; and son, Daniel (Addie) O’Day of Two Harbors, MN. Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Ralph, in 2015.
Jean will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, five-star baker and homemaker, and generous loyal friend.
Jean’s remarkable story of how she lived and made her way, in 1940’s war time England, working in a factory that made the molds for pistons in engines that powered the Spitfire aircraft which saved the day for England. But, as the saying goes, “every cloud has a silver lining”, and in those challenging times she met the love of her life in a handsome G.I. from Minnesota, immigrating to the United States and making a life in Two Harbors, MN with her new husband.
One of Jean’s most rewarding accomplishments, besides her family, was becoming a Naturalized American Citizen in 1955. Jean was forever proud of her newly adopted country and always displayed a U. S. flag in the house to remind us of her gratitude. July 4th was always a very special day for our family.
Next, she learned to drive on the “right side” of the road which was of great benefit to her as she embarked on a part-time career of in-home sales of Stanley Home Products and Sarah Coventry Jewelry and excelled at both.
Later years found her traveling with Ralph by motorhome on cross-country trips visiting family and friends. They enjoyed the adventures of the open road and also loved good crossword puzzles of which they were both wizards.
Jean was also devoted to her faith in God and a natural optimist who believed in the good of people. Jean also loved to sing in church and write songs and poems of her faith and created our favorite family goodnight prayer: “Go to bed with hope in your heart and faith in your soul and awake refreshed, restored, renewed, replenished, and rejuvenated, giving God all the glory, honor and praises due Him.”
Graveside services will be held in the Summer of 2023 in Two Harbors. To share your memories or condolences online please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
