Jean Thompson (May) Loasby

Jean (May) Loasby passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025. She was born February 25, 1934, in Penicuik, Scotland, the daughter of the late Alison and Andrew May. She was preceded in death by her sister, Betty (May) Fairgrieve, and her brothers, Jack and Robert May.

Jean enjoyed her childhood in Penicuik, Scotland, surrounded by family, whom she kept in touch with despite the distance, visiting Great Britain, and frequently hosting family while they spent time at their farm in Michigan. Jean carried on many of her Scottish traditions and often reminisced about her time in Scotland, sharing memories with family and friends, which brought her comfort later in life.   

Jean met the love of her life, Owen (Fred) Loasby of East Derehem, England, when he came home on leave from the British Royal Navy with her older brother. They moved to the United States in 1952 and married on November 29th in Ecorse, Michigan.

Jean was a cherished mother to Heather (Jim) Butcher of Kalamazoo, the late David (Cathy) Loasby of Appleton, WI, the late Linda (Tom) Powers of Birmingham, AL, and Martyn Loasby of Dowagiac. Also left to carry on Jean’s memory are her four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, along with extended family in the United States and Great Britain.

Among many of her ventures, Jean and husband owned the Rose and Thistle Greenhouse and she worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. She was active in the garden club and fostered many dogs while living in Cassopolis. She and Fred enjoyed catching up on the day’s events and latest news over a gin and tonic. She loved watching the birds, chasing the squirrels from the feeders and lamenting over the groundhogs.

Jean spent her later years in Appleton, WI near her late son, David Loasby, and his wife, Cathy, and in Allegan, near her daughter, Heather Butcher, and her husband, Jim.

Jean will be fondly remembered for creating a welcoming and loving home where all were welcome. Her family will always cherish the memories of having delicious dinners, playing games, enjoying long walks and sledding over the stream at the farm in Michigan.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.CremationServicesOnly.com. The family is being served by Cremation Services Only.

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