Jean Elizabeth Fountain Kridle

After a long and courageous battle with leukemia, Jean Elizabeth Fountain Kridle of Biloxi, age 80, devoted wife of Robert M. Kridle, loving mother of Mary K. Harding (Ross), Jeanne K. O’Connor (Tom), Barbara K. Maynard (Riley), Caroline K. Korte (Stephen), and Linda K. Bubeck (Chip), sister of Gerry F. Blessey, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, December 1, 2013. Jean is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Edmee Fountain, Sr., and her brothers Henry (Buddy) Fountain, Jr., and Stanton Fountain. Jean was a native of Biloxi, and as an Air Force wife, lived in numerous locations around the country as well as overseas. She enjoyed a successful and decorated career as a Copyright Bibliographer and Supervisor at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, and upon retirement relocated to her hometown. Jean was a faithful servant of her Savior, our Lord, Jesus Christ, and was an extremely active member at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral Parish in Biloxi. She was also a longstanding member and officer of the Gulf Coast Symphony Guild, as well as serving on the Gulf Coast Symphony’s Board of Directors. Most of all, Jean was world renown for three things: her phenomenal love of family, her endearing friendships and her extraordinary leadership skills. Jean’s love of Bob, her girls and especially her grandkids were very evident. Her love for her husband spanned sixty wonderful years. She was the true love of Bob and it was evident in everything she did. She devoted her life to raising five wonderful daughters. She never missed a PTO meeting, athletic event or performance. Often times, she would be the only parent on the sideline cheering on her girls. She never missed a grandchild’s birth or any other special event in their lives. She and Bob traveled thousands of miles to be present for baptisms, first holy communions, confirmations, graduations and weddings. Jean never met a stranger. Once you were introduced to her, you were a friend for life. Many a friendship has been nurtured over the past eighty years. Jean was the consummate hostess, opening her home often to some of the most fabulous parties, teas, luncheons and brunches. Her love of bridge made her a favorite partner to many across the country. Jean had an extraordinary ability to get things done. She chaired many a committee, either at work, at church or with a multitude of community and charitable organizations. One of her most notable contributions on the Gulf Coast included multiple terms as President of the Parish Council at Nativity and worked diligently to refurbish the Sacred Heart Center. Brilliant, witty, charming, and above all loving, are just a few words to describe this wonderful woman. The Kridle Family would like to extend their appreciation to Deaconess Hospice, especially Susan, Trish and Mary as well as Comfort Keepers, especially Vanessa and Marisa for their compassionate and loving care. Visitation will be held at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Friday, December 6, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral. Entombment will follow at Southern Memorial Park Mausoleum.