Obituary of Jean Rubenstein

1920 - 2013 Jean Rubenstein passed away peacefully on New Year?s Day 2013 with her family at her side. She was born Jeanette Evelyn Lewis on May 1, 1920 to William and Belle Lewis in Portland, Oregon. After graduating from Grant High School in 1938, Jean attended the University of Oregon, studying French, until she married Harry Rubenstein on November 23, 1939. Their 62-year marriage remained a long and happy love affair until Harry's passing in 2002. Jean and Harry are survived by their three children, Barry Rubenstein (Carolyn), Eugene; Randy Rubenstein (Betty), Mercer Island, WA; and Tina Lamb (Jay), Eugene. Jean and Harry were blessed with five grandchildren, Lisa Calevi (Max), Eugene; Joel Rubenstein (Stephanie), Portland; Jonathan Rubenstein (Melissa), Dallas, TX; Kyle Lamb, Denver, CO; and Nic Lamb (Lindsey), Los Angeles, CA, as well as six great-grandchildren -- all of whom adored their Nana, and she them. Jean loved to travel and enjoyed the thrill of occasionally doing so in grand style. She and Harry traveled to Europe, Israel, Hawaii, New York, and San Francisco many times -- often in the company of their children (and spouses) and grandchildren. Jean's verbal dexterity was legion to all who knew her. To the bemusement and delight of family and friends, Jean regularly invented certain words while mispronouncing others. Her nimble wordplay remains a source of great comfort to her family who fondly recalls such "Nana-isms" and even created new ones during her final days. An avid newspaper reader, Jean was never far from a crossword puzzle, whether sitting at the breakfast table or aboard the QE2. Her "modus operandi" always thoughtful and generous, Jean often tucked a bookmark into a card or care package. Whether as a Sacred Heart candy striper, bridge partner, or "hostess-with-the-mostess," Jean's caring ways touched many in her community. A beautiful person inside and out, our Mom and Nana appreciated beauty in its myriad forms, from art to classical music, opera, theater and butterflies. Jean's own artistry extended to flowers, fashion, and food. She never met a bird-of-paradise she didn?t like, wore a brooch like few women could, and garnished dishes with true flair. The family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to the extraordinary team of caregivers that helped our beloved Mom and Nana through the last years of her life. Thank you to Sacred Heart Hospice as well. Remembrances to the Eugene Temple Beth Israel Building Fund, Eugene Symphony, or Volunteers in Medicine.