Margaret Jean Kraft

Jean lived most of her life in Pompano Beach, Florida, a place that suited her well because of her lifelong love of the ocean. She was a small business owner before retiring and spent many years working in a field that reflected another of her great passions—animals. Her compassion for them didn’t end when the workday did. Jean dearly loved her own pets and had a soft spot for strays, often opening her home to animals that needed one.

Jean was known for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, often accompanied by just the right touch of mischief. She had a way of making people laugh and a big smile that was hard to forget.

One of the special things about Jean was her ability to connect with people of every generation. She was genuinely interested in people, their lives, and their journeys, and friendships often came easily and quickly. She never wanted the spotlight on herself and was known simply as “Mom” to many beyond her own family. Her home had an open door for anyone who needed a place to land.

Jean never wanted much for herself. She was a giver by nature—of her time, her home, and herself. Fiercely independent, Jean was far more comfortable giving help than asking for it. She valued doing things for herself, and even when life became difficult, accepting help never came easily to her.

As a grandmother, Jean was all about fun. At Grandma’s house, rules were few, laughter was plentiful, and her grandchildren knew they had a place where they could simply enjoy being with her. She shared a special and individual relationship with each of her grandchildren: Dylan, Rhett, Cody, Alexa, Taylor, Rye, and Mark. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Sylvie and James.

Jean is survived by her five daughters, Althea (Larry), Tracy (Ron), Dawn (Michael), Scarlett (Paul), and Brandy; her brother and lifelong best friend Harrell Barr (Fawn); her seven grandchildren; and her two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Barr and Dorothy Barr, and her brother, Howard Barr.

Jean leaves behind far more than a list of those who loved her. She leaves memories of laughter, an open door, a generous heart, a home where both people and animals could find a place, and a family who each knew her in their own special way.