Once upon a time, in a faraway land, (well, not so far away) it was Newcastle, Wyoming, there was born a baby girl named Jean. God had definitely decided this earth needed some excitement. Unbeknown to all and unknown until the time of delivery, one of two identical twins, Jean Carol Day (Fawcett) was born into this world on March 3rd, 1942. Two heartbeats so intertwined that even the doctors didn't know there were twins. Joan arrived first, and Jean surprised everyone shortly after. They joined a large family that eventually consisted of 10 brothers and sisters born to Alice (Statler) and Crawford Fawcett.

Jean grew up with her large family in Newcastle and in 1962, graduated from Newcastle High School. Shortly after that, on July 8th, 1962, she married Lynn Day. From this 18-year union, came her two children, Alice Joan Oleson (John), and John Lynn Day (Joanne). Jean loved spending time with her kids, grandkids and family. She especially loved spending time with her great-grandson, Nikola.  We're not sure who gave who a ride for their money.

As I think about everything mom loved in life, the list was long. God and the Country Church in Four Corners, having family get-togethers, fishing, camping, horse-back riding, gardening, bowling, shopping, going to Deadwood and especially the color purple. Some of you may remember the purple blazer she drove around town for several years!

Mom was an amazing cook and held several jobs in that capacity. From running the Daylight Donut shop in town, to cooking at the Old Mill and eventually cooking at both Mondell Heights and the Weston County Manor, mom shared that gift with so many people.

The thing I think a lot of us admired about my mom was her strength. She was an amazingly strong woman in her faith, her beliefs, her will to live, and her love for life and her family. She battled illness a good share of her later years and never once complained. She was strong willed, stubborn to the core and had a look on her face that could make you run or laugh out loud. She was dependable, drove through every kind of weather to get to where she was going and never once looked back. Especially if she needed to get to Deadwood. 😊

Mom was blessed by living in a town who loved her as much as she loved it. When the time came for assisted living her answer was, "I want to go home." That home was Newcastle. She had family there who took amazing care of her, staff at assisted living and the Weston County Nursing home who loved her like family and a pastor named Bill Hailey who never once gave up on her. That is a blessing.

Mom has many blessings still left on this earth who were inspired by her and loved her. Her daughter and son-in-law Alice Joan Oleson (John), her son and daughter-in-law John Lynn Day (Joanne), her grandchildren, Zachary Oleson (Ashten), Morghan Oleson, Annalise Oleson and her great-grandson Nikola Oleson and soon to be great-granddaughter Louise Oleson. She adored her siblings and those still with us are Jerry Fawcett (Karol), Lewis Fawcett (Mary Jo), and Dorothy Pitts. She was also blessed with numerous nieces and nephews.

Mom went to Heaven to meet those who had gone before her, and we all know how she loved family reunions! What a blessing to have so many to meet and greet her and welcome her into God's Kingdom.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking that donations be made to the Weston County Manor activities fund. Her time spent doing the activities at the manor made each and every day joyful for her. A celebration of life will be held later in the spring.

If there is any lesson to learn from my mom's life, I would say that it is to never give up. Keep hoping, keep dreaming, keep those around you close and never lose Faith. What a testament to life this amazing woman has left us all. God speed mom. Thank you for the adventure. You are missed already.