Jean Iversen, the queen of organic gardening, passed away on August 6th, 2022 at the age of 100.
It was always her smile people saw first. Jean’s angelic smile was most vibrant when her hands were filled with brown soil. This was her heaven. She could spend hours in her ½ acre garden as it was a spiritual, therapeutic experience for her. Out of this love was born both the Cape Cod Organic Gardening Club (with over 100 members), as well as her farm stand where she sold her own fresh produce. Everyone loved her and would stop at her stand just to say hello or to ask gardening advice.
Jean found love twice. She married at age 21 and lost her first husband at age 55. They had two daughters, Joan, and Wendy. She remarried at age 60 to George Iversen, and they had many happy years gardening together before he passed.
Jean’s light shined so bright. 
We all felt it. She lived so fully. She was a farmer, a vegetarian, fully organic, a Baha’i, a nurse, a music store owner, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. She was one of those women who lived life on her own terms: going on safari in East Africa, taking a helicopter over an erupting volcano in Hawaii, and traveling to Israel on pilgrimage to the Bahai Shrines. Finally, in her later years, when she needed more assistance, she divided her time between Barbados, and Vancouver Island visiting her daughters and granddaughter.
She is survived by her daughters and three granddaughters who are spread out all over the world: Barbados, Victoria (Canada), New York City and Cape Cod (USA).
Jean was a very selfless, kind, and loving person who was always helping others. Life will not be the same without her wonderful spirit. She is now joining the Angels in the spiritual world as she was such an Angel herself on this physical plane.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross.
Condolences can be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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John C Henderson
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Palma & John Hunt We send our condolences to the family. We knew Jean for many years as a part of her Organic Gardeners group. She inspired us greatly and always shared her wisdom generously. We will treasure the many fond memories of the meetings and potlucks she held and especially will always remember her loving presence and beautiful smile.
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Jean Jensen Wondered what happened to her every time I passed the stand! Missed her greatly. Never knew anyone who could bring such joy being in her presence! The twinkle in her amazing blue eyes was unparalleled! Condolences to her family!
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PAUL PROVOST Jean is an excellent model for longevity. Sound spiritual values and some dirt under your fingernails. Bodes well for anyone aspiring to reach the century mark. Thank you ,Jean.
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Patty Pierce Compagnone Words can’t express the great loss you must endure. Your Mom was a very special person. Passing Kellys Farm will never be the same. She Lived an amazing exciting healthy active life. She will always be in my heart. I’m sending my condolences to you and your family.
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Linda P. Hutchenrider Joan, my heart aches for you and your family on the loss of your sweet and smiling mother. May her joy surround you always and bring you peace in the years ahead. Love to you all.
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Jeannette She was a special lady,always had a smile on her face and..
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Sandra Nichols CCOG leader extroidenair!
I will miss your sharing spirit from the soil to the heavens.
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Mark W Sylvia My sympathies to all the family. Jean was a great friend and client for many years. I will miss her! Mark Sylvia
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Cecilia Elliott-Alleyne One cannot meet this lovely soul Jean and come away untouched in your own soul.
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Cilla Dreier Have no fear… she is teaching the Angels Gardening
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Kathyann Clarke I am saddened to hear about your mum’s passing. She lived a very exciting life and she was a very sweet soul. A very warm spirit. She will be missed. Condolences, hugs and kisses to the entire family.
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Danielle van Dreunen Ahhh, Joan! I only met your mum the once, and only briefly. And, yet, her gentleness, her sweetness, and her spirit shone through. I am sure you have many positive memories to warm you as you acknowledge her moving to a different plane. Blessings to you and your family.
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Wandra Harmsen So sorry to hear that Jean has passed, yet I’m sure her soul is in a joyful place. Jean had such love for everyone – she made me feel so loved every time I saw her. I really can’t say that I know of anyone else who makes us all feel such love like our Jean. What I especially loved about Jean was how she embodied the Bahá’í teachings when it came to service and kindness. She always strove to find ways to be an example of her faith and share it with others.
One of the last times I saw Jean in person – years ago, it was a cold winter’s night and she had at least two people over sharing the Bahá’í Faith with them and serving them delicious apple tea. That’s our Jean. I love you Jean – you are in my heart and prayers. Heartfelt condolences to all of Jean’s family.
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Robert Caruso So sad to hear about your Mom and Grandma passing. She was the most loving, upbeat person I think I ever met in my life. She will be missed.
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Beverly and Robert Bassett Jean was an inspiration to our family! Our oldest son Shane work on her farm and he stand during his high school years! Learned so much and has put the learning to use throughout his travels! Brendon our youngest son also helped out at the farm! As a family we stopped by the stand when we still lived on the Cape. Since moving to Oregon we had less contact but our hearts were always connected. Our heart felt condolences to all the family. Thank you Wendy for bringing your Mom for a visit for her
Birthday one year! We were so happy to see you both! Our memories of our shared activities of the Baha’i Faith and yummy potluck dishes like her nut loaf will bring us joy forever!
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Val & Peter Moore It has been so lovely over the last few weeks learning about Jean’s life. I will always remember her joyful presence in our home and her heartfelt recitation of the “Remover of Difficulties” prayer. Heartfelt condolences and prayers go our to you and your family, dear Wendy.
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Judith Partelow Jean was such an inspiration to all. She could be counted on to bring a smile, loving greetings, and wonderful organic vegetarian dishes whenever there was a potluck gathering. She was there for most all the Baha’i celebrations, holy days, for all the years I can remember, and I have been on Cape Cod since 1972. I pass her farmstand now and think of her every time. I’m so glad I saw her the last time she was home on the Cape. I’ll cherish that visit. I will miss her and I send love to Wendy and Jean and her grandchildren. She was a servant to the earth and will shine like a star in heaven.
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Janis Gold There was no one like our Jean.My son Tyler learned a lot about gardening and eating the right foods, the summer he worked on the farm with her. She will be so remembered for her love of like and her faith. Love you Jean, and know you are with so many beloved friends now.
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Betsy Kelly Shea Jean, what an amazing life you lived! You were such a caring and nurturing person! I remember going over to your house to visit Wendy and Joan in the ’60s and ’70s!, you and Roger taking us on the boat to Martha’s Vineyard! What fun we had! We used to enjoy taking music lessons at the store!! Even last year you were able to walk a mile in Barnstable, MA?! What an inspiration you are to the younger generation!
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Kristina Brazis Hemenway Thank you Jean for bringing such joy to me in my childhood in the 1950s and 1960s – boating, camping, and enjoying music with you, Wendy, Joan, and Roger. You were and are an Earth Angel.
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valebishop My condolences to you and family Joan….
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John&Danielle Pisani Jean was LOVE in human form. She has returned to the Ocean of Divine Love. We will always smile when we think of her. We are blessed to have her friendship. Love to Her family.
One Love, John&Danielle
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Susan parris My condolences to each and every one of you,your mum was a inspiration to so many and will be missed by all who knew her RIP ❤️
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Barbara Brathwaite My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
I’m at once saddened to learn of Jean’s passing and delighted that she accomplished the centenarian milestone, another of her many life’s accomplishments. Over many years, we enjoyed the cultivated berries hand picked with care by Elba and Jean. Tried to visit with her either at the stand, barn or in the field when passing by on foot or when she was on her neighborhood walk arounds. Always a delight to be greeted by her warm smile and gaze into the depths of her beautiful blue eyes through which you felt you could connect with her soul. I was honored to have been entrusted with advising her with some of her investment needs for many decades. RIP Jean.