Nov. 13, 1925 - Nov. 13, 2009

ELKHART -- On Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, Jean Coppes Hansen Ashbaugh, 84, passed away in her sleep at her son Hans and daughter-in-law Tina's home in Elkhart. Following the recent passing of her husband of 61 years, she had been surrounded by her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and many kind friends.

Jean was born Nov. 13, 1925, in Elkhart, Ind., to Edward and Marion Hansen. Upon the completion of her studies in Elkhart, Jean traveled to Andover, Mass. to study at Abbott Academy. After four years at the secondary school, she graduated from the prestigious Vassar College in Poughkeepsie N. Y., completing a double major in Psychology and Economics in three years. Following graduation, Jean returned to Elkhart where she married Notre Dame football standout and World War II veteran, Pete Ashbaugh, on June 12, 1948.

Merging the three most important aspects of her life, it was at this time that Jean began her journey as a loving wife, mother, and committed partner in the Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Co. She eventually ascended to Chairman of the Board of Elkhart Brass, one of the world's premier firefighting equipment manufacturers founded by Jean's grandfather, A.E. Hansen, in 1902. While raising her four children, she always found time to be an active and influential participant in civic affairs around the greater Elkhart / South Bend area. From her decades of involvement with The Stanley Clark School to her many affiliations with The University of Notre Dame, Jean was passionately committed to the field of education.

As her sons began to raise families of their own, Jean became a loving grandmother to her grandchildren Peter, Heidi, and Hanna as well as Derek and Alex. Beyond her commitment to family and education, Jean was actively involved with the arts, most evident in her involvement with the University of Notre Dame's Snite Museum. Jean belonged to many clubs and organizations in Elkhart, South Bend and Florida, most notably Bridge Club, Thursday Club and Tri-Kappa.

Jean is survived by her four sons Rusty, Shawn (Marilyn), Hans (Tina) and Tony (Juli); as well as her grandchildren Derek, Alex, Peter, Heidi and Hanna.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday at the Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, 403 W. Franklin St., Elkhart. Private family services will be held on Tuesday at Rice Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Snite Museum of Art or a charity of your choice.