Helga Jean Capps died Jan. 10, 2006 at Harborview Medical Center from the effects of a stroke suffered Jan. 2.

She was born Sept. 6, 1926 to James Elmer and Ellin Johnson Newell.

In 1948 she was married to Everett F. (Ric) Capps in Aberdeen, Wash. Her husband preceded her in death in 1996.

After living for 4 years in Elma and 18 years in Seattle, Jean and her husband moved to Langley in 1970. A graduate of the University of Washington, Jean was librarian for the South Whidbey School District until her retirement.

Jean was a member of St. Augustine’s in-the-Woods Episcopal Church in Freeland.

The animals she loved and her companion Fernando “Andy” Laxaman as well as friends survive Jean: Fred Fossek, Vicki Peloquin, Janie Gabelein and family, Rob Noble, Amy Hannon and Ben Frederic Hannold.

A memorial service will take place at St. Augustine’s in-the-Woods, Freeland, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation or to St. Augustine’s in-the-Woods.