Jean Buggé Obituary

I knew Jean during the middle 1980's, when she took her first job as a professional geologists in Austin. Her work and personal lives were marked with a similar approach: "Full speed ahead!" Jean was thoughtful and adventurous. She could ride her motorcycle like the wind. Good bye and farewell, Jean, my old friend. In my mind, I will always see you leaning into the wind.

Growing up I was Colin's best friend, Jean was like a second mother to me. She always kept Her kids and I busy weather it was swimming at bull creek, seeing live shows, or taking us to markets with little odds and ends. I love the Bugge family as my own. She was always there for me when i needed someone to talk to or to confide in. I pray that you in the paradise you deserve. I love you Jean, Colin, and the rest of the family.You have all made huge impacts in my life.
All my love, Ian Sokolnik

I just learned today of Jean's passing, and I was shocked and saddened. My thoughts go to Chris, Colin, Travis, and Dominic.

Jean and I were the only Texans to defend the Lone Star State during our time in the Geology Department at Colorado State University. Jean was a good friend, and she helped me get through many grueling hours of studying for Mineralogy lab (all 330 minerals that we had to memorize). After a grueling exam, Jean and I would sometimes jump in her Honda and "just go". The attached photo was taken on a 12-hour round trip to Devil's Tower, Wyoming in 1983, "to see what it looked like". I never tired of Jean as a conversation partner - her unique viewpoint and endless curiosiy for nature was inspiring.

I kept up with Jean over the years - met Chris and the boys - a handsome crew. Whenever I would see Jean, the years would melt and we would have a nice visit and a laugh. I will miss my friend.

We also shared a love for Big Red soda pop that no one else really understood. I don't think I'll ever be able to have a Big Red now and not think of Jean.

Vaya con dios, my friend.

My sincerest sympathy to Collin and his family.

We just heard of Jean's passing and were shocked and deeply saddened. Jean was a wonderful and caring person. We first got to know her on a mission trip to Honduras. What an incredible hard worker she was. She was always willing to help those in need. Chris and the boys, our prayers are with you. Greg White and Corrine Brue

Jean was always a good friend to me. I remember the day we met when she turned to me before the start of class in ninth grade algebra at Memorial High School. She had a good heart and left those she touched better for having known her. We had fun adventures together and I so enjoyed sharing stories with her, hanging out, and just talking and listening. She introduced me to my husband, came to our small wedding in Wyoming, and most recently joined me this summer (along with her three boys) on a European adventure. I'm so glad we have those memories and so many others. Besides a great friend, I got the best gift in the world as a result of knowing her, my two children. I'll miss her smile, unexpected (but welcome!) visits, and her genuine kindness. A true friend is hard to find....

Since learning the news, I have to admit a continuing state of “what?!” when I think of Jean’s passing. I just haven’t been able to wrap my brain around it yet and I’m praying one day I can. That said, though, to all of those fortunate enough to call Jean mother, sister, aunt or friend, my heart is heavy for you... please know that as one privileged enough to enjoy our friendship-since-high-school, my heart is anvil-heavy for me as well.

I can wrap my brain around the fact that Jean is alive and well in a new way and, while I delight in that image, it doesn’t fully fill the loss left to those of us who loved and admired her and who will now miss her just being physically present. The memories I have of Jean are many, yet still too few, particularly given our geographic distance. Anytime we did cross paths, however, in conversations usually punctuated with giggles and “can you believe’s”, we picked up right where we left off re: our lives, our loves, and our God.

What a pleasure it has been to read others' recollections...but how I wish we were all about 112 rather than as young as we are now in making our reminiscences. You get it, those of you who have described the glow she brought to a room or a conversation. Her all-so-evident passion for making the world a more beautiful and FUN place makes it scarcely imaginable she's not present in the same way to do so.

So, I’m working to turn my focus to her being spiritually present, even now…and I deeply believe she is. To Jean: what a fine woman you were and are. I commit to doing whatever I can to help the torch you carried carry on for children, animals and increasing the world’s beauty. To Jean’s family: I commit to doing whatever I can to help keep our memories of Jean living and vibrant and to help you nourish the seeds of love, kindness, energy and zest for living she planted. For years, all I have had to do to see Pete and Doris was shut my eyes and open my thoughts of them; though I wish I had made more Jean memories, I’ll now do the same to see her, too.

My thoughts, my prayers and my hopes to each of you. Much love, too.

Jean was like no other person. A truly unforgettable spirit. The world is a darker place without her.

We will all miss the passion Jean brought with her.

Colin and family- The football team and I and all of your classmates will always be there for you. We hope you and your family have peace.

Colin-Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

Mindy and Camron Barati

My heartfelt and deepest sympathy is extended to you all. Jean had written me an email a few weeks ago in response our plans for camping on Santa Catalina Island in California, "Yahoo, glad you're on it! Late summer is good, I need to check dates with my sister. Is Gray still scouting with us, or is Catalina his swan song? We miss you."

Jean was my inspiration for camping and enjoying nature. She, Travis, Gray, and I spent a week camping at Lost Pines almost one year ago. The weather was great and the outdoors invigorating. She had brought Crash and Burn, but then when we learned that the camp didn't permit pets, she took them to her friend's house. Jean was so full of life and it is still difficult for me to acknowledge that she's no longer physically with us.

She and I were housemates about 24 years ago, just after she moved here from Colorado, where she had studied chemistry. John and I had a friend at the UT law school who needed an expert witness in chemistry for a mock trial. Since it was a mock trail, the expert witness didn't really need to be a chemist, but one who had some background in it and could act like an expert. She became the expert witness and performed well at the mock trial.

We lost touch and many years later I saw her at another acting performance, "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" presented by the Austin Musical Theatre. I was there with Gray and I think one of her boys was in the show. Later, when Gray join pack 511, I learned Travis was already a member. Jean and I renewed our friendship. Then Gray and Travis, who are in the same grade, both advanced to troop 48. I will always remember the lovely camping trip to Castell on the vast, sandy, and shell-filled banks of the Llano river. The night was so beautiful that we all slept under the stars, twinkling and shining. In Castell that same weekend was the Leifeste family reunion and I met many of you. I thank you for the gracious hospitality you showed us then. The memories move me.

Earlier this year we went to Veterinary School Open House at Texas A&M. What an educational experience to see all the medical technology there. Before the trip, Jean arranged a visit to her dog's veterinarian. Jean was so caring. She was passionate about her children. I remember hearing her calling each of them, "Love Child." She was full of love and had an extraordinary zest for living.

About two weeks ago, I started reading "Home with God," and Jean is now fully home with God. I remember the night of the full moon when she passed. It was a bright, radiant moon and I know that Jean is at peace. I miss her so much.

Love,
Ingrid Moore Gillespie
with John, Gray, and Paige

I did not know Jean, but my daughter, Samantha, is a friend of Travis and knew his mother from school. Sam came home several days ago devasted from the news. She said that Travis' mother was one of her favorites. That she was always kind and had asked Sam to bring some of her art from home so she could see it. Sam was planning on that. Jean Bugge will certainly be missed -- even by those of us who didn't have the opportunity to meet her.

My family and I were devastated at the news of Jean’s death. Our hearts go out to the boys and her entire family. Jean was a fantastic person.

Rest assured that she is with Pete and Doris right now and they are having a wonderful reunion at the beach with Jean throwing a piece of driftwood and Reggie fetching it just as the sun begins to set.

The Harrison family knew Jean and her family for over 30 years. The obituary was so correct in describing her. She was a sweet, kind and sincere person. She will be missed by so very many.

With great love for Jean and sympathy at your loss – John Harrison, Jim & Ruth Harrison, Richard & Holly Harrison, Debra Harrison Stearns, and Kim (Harrison) & Tony Townsend.

Jean
and I spent a week on the island of St.Martin vacationing 10 years ago.
It was a wonderful carefree time. We snorkled, hiked, ate, danced and
listened to the local music. When it was time to come back to families
we were overjoyed to see our children. I look back on that time with
fondness. She will be missed. I hold you Chris and the boys in the
Light during this time of grieving.
Love,
Cris and Steve Bosbach

Dear Colin, Travis, Dominic, and Chris, and family and friends.
We are so sorry to hear about your precious Mom and Wife Jean passing on, so suddenly and so young. She was and is such a fantastic person, mother, family woman and friend. The obituary that you all wrote is so good, I can't belive how well you described Jean. She is pleased, I'm sure. We are praying for you all during this time of unbelievable sadness to lose her right now. But know that you will see her and be with her again some day, and she is at absolute peace. We are here to help you all in any way possible. We will see you tomorrow at the Memorial. Love, Zack Smith, Julie Wall and Pete Smith.

Peter and I want your family to know that we are holding you in our hearts and minds during this very difficult time.

My thoughts are with you and your family in this time of loss.

Jean will be sorely missed by the entire Hawes family. We all grew up together and the Leifeste family is like extended family to us. Our deepest sympathy to her wonderful boys and Chris, Jane, Mark and Ann.

I will always think of Jean as a sweet, fun person with a big smile and twinkling eyes. My prayers will be with Chris and their sons and the Leifeste family. God will comfort you now and always.

I'm glad I knew Jean - she was a great person, always friendly and caring. Colin and Travis and Dominic are three of the finest young men I know, and she was proud of them. I know that this is a hard time, but I hope your hearts are soon filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together. May all who loved her know peace.

We only knew Jean for a short time, but thought she was a beautiful woman, both inside and out.

Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with Jean's children, family and friends. Our prayer is that God will wrap His loving arms around you all and surround you with peace throughout this difficult time.

My heartfelt sympathy to Jean's boys and family.

I thorougly enjoyed my association with Jean and the Bugge family in the choir family at University United Methodist Church. She will be missed. my deepest sympathies to Chris and boys. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

May God's Peace and ineffable Love and Grace envelope you in love and comfort during these difficult days and always.

May God bless you, Chris and boys and all the Leifeste family. I remember Jean's wit, her beautiful smile, and her strong spirit, and I will miss her. I pray for your comfort and peace.

DEEPEST SYMPATHIES FROM THE MONTCLAIR RUGBY CLUB

From the short time we had known Jean Bugge, she will always be rememebered as a sweet& caring person to my son Kevante & I. She will be missed dearly. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy for your loss...our thoughts are with Colin, Travis, and Dominic and your family during this difficult time. We pray that the love of God enfolds you, during your journey through grief. May your hearts and souls find peace & comfort. Please let us know if we can do anything to help, may God bless.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Gretna Chavez &
Kevante White
Boys Scout, Troop 48