Jean Shappy Vaughan

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Jean Shappy Vaughan announces her passing on October 28, 2025 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 81. Born on November 16, 1943, she spent her earlier years in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and Atlanta, Georgia before eventually relocating to Gilbert, Arizona in 2003 to be closer to family. She met her late husband, Louis Thomas Shappy in Vermont, and they married July 1, 1961. In 1976, Jean was widowed, and in 1983 she was remarried to Harley Vaughan though they divorced in 1989. 

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was the heart of our family. Meme was known for her unwavering strength and selflessness. She had an credible sense of adventure and was the best travel buddy, a fashionista, a holiday hostess, and loved to try her hand at baking new recipes like French macaroons and her "accidental" banana chocolate chip cookies were some of her best, but lest we forget the time she put chive cream cheese in her cheesecake .... 

Her love of family time, hanging out by the pool and beach, sister weekend in Old Orchard Beach Maine, gardening in her backyard, working out with her "step sisters", attending painting class, and volunteering with her CASA family were a source of joy for her and for us. 

She is survived by ex-husband Harley Vaughan, and leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories for her sister Linda Daley, Gloria Hall and Penny McGennis Desmore (Yvie Quintin), her two daughters Kellie Gonzalez and Antonia Martinez (Daniel Martinez), three grandchildren Thomas Morales (Stephanie West), Teya Spring (Nick Cox), and Selina Sims (Kyle Sims), and eight great- grandchildren Kelci, Serenity, Kaden, Carly, Jaemasen, Anthony, Giovanni and Lillian and a host of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Louis Shappy, her parents Robert and Arlene McGennis, brother Leslie McGennis, sister Mildred Joslin, niece Christina Joslin, brothers-in-law Rick Hall and Duane Daley, and her life partner of 20 years Manfred Kimball.

A service will be held at Mission Church on November 21, 2025 at 10:00 am with a luncheon to follow. Mission Church address: 4450 E. Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234