Elizabeth Jean Tom

Elizabeth Jean Tom, 90, of Granger, formerly of Carter Road, Goshen, died Thursday evening, February 6, 2014 at Emeritus at Arborwood in Granger. She was born January 13, 1924 in Fort Wayne to Dane and Emma (Doan) Quay. Dane died while Jean was an infant. Emma later married Franklin A. Treece, who adopted Jean and was the only father she ever knew. On October 14, 1945 she married James K. Tom in Goshen. He died in 1989. She is survived by two sons, Steven (Betsy) Tom, of Acworth, Georgia, and Daniel (Mary Jo Morey) Tom, of Granger; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and companion, caregiver and dear friend Meara Reed. She was preceded in death by her husband, and a son and daughter-in-law, James and Toni Tom. Mrs. Tom was a homemaker and loyal volunteer for many years with Oaklawn as an art teacher, and also with Goshen General Hospital as a puppet teacher for children prior to surgery, and many other areas at the hospital. She was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Head Start programs. Jean was a very social person who deeply enjoyed her many friendships made through memberships with the Elkhart County Historical Society and Society of Philomatheans, and many bridge groups. She was well known as a talented painter of landscapes, seascapes, as well as human and animal subjects. She was also a long time member at St. James Episcopal Church, Goshen. The family wishes to thank all of those who assisted her with kindness when she needed it, especially Emma Graber (who preceded her in death), Laura Stutzman, Cecilia Cushing, Paul Tudor, and the marvelous staff members of Center for Hospice Care and Emeritas at Arborwood who made her final days as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2014 prior to a 4 p.m. Memorial Service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. Father Larry Biller of St. James Episcopal Church will officiate. A Requiem Mass will be held in the spring at St. James Episcopal Church. Burial will follow the Mass at Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. James Episcopal Church General Fund.