Norma Jean Lakin, 85, died Sunday, May 8, 2016.  Her memorial service held in the Chapel of the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home. John A. Gentleman Mortuaries in Omaha, Neb., in charge of arrangements.

Jean was born on July 4, 1930, in Olney, the daughter of Kenneth and Flo (Jones) Nelson. After graduating from Olney Township High School in 1948, Jean attended Decatur Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and received training to become a Registered Nurse, graduating with that classification in 1951. During that time, Jean met and married Jack Allen, a Staff Sergeant (SSgt) in the U.S. Air Force.

Jean was a feisty, compassionate, independent, fiercely loyal and active woman who cared deeply for her family and played softball for many years. Early in her career, Jean worked as a Registered Nurse and then, later in her career, retired as the Supervisor of Equipment in Bergan Mercy Hospital’s Central Supply Department. An avid bowler, Jean traveled across the U.S. participating in bowling tournaments. Some of Jean’s dearest, most lifelong friends were made during these trips and throughout the many years she bowled. Jean, a Gold Star Wife, was a devoted supporter of the U.S. military and spent the last 20 years of her life volunteering, and serving as an Ombudsman, with the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home.

Jean led a full, active life and lived in her home until she was admitted to the hospital on April 25, 2016. Holding the hands of her family on Mother’s Day, Jean died on May 8, 2016, at Methodist Hospital after learning only several days before that she had been living with a rare and extremely aggressive cancer.

Jean is survived by her sons Michael (Kathy) and Brad (Heather); granddaughter, Shannon (Dallas); grandson, Bradley; several nieces and nephews; and many, many dear family and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Allen, grandparents, Marion and Essie Nelson, parents, Kenneth and Flo (Jones) Nelson, sister, Betty Jo, and brother, Wayne.

Olney Daily Mail obituary posted – May 18, 2016