Jean Vreeland Mueller
06/08/1925 - 01/14/2018

Jean Vreeland Mueller

Jean “Jinnie” Vreeland Mueller of Summit, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on January 14th, 2018 at the age of ninety-two. A lifelong resident of Summit, she was born at Overlook Hospital on June 8th, 1925, the daughter of Donald R. Vreeland and Jean W. Vreeland, and grew up on Maple Street, just steps from the hustle and bustle of downtown Summit. After attending Kent Place school in Summit for both her primary and middle school education, Jean received her high school degree from Oldfield’s School in Maryland. Jean completed her formal education at Bennet College in Millbrook, New York, and returned to Summit where she worked as a Kindergarten Teacher at Miss Hood’s School. With her kind and caring disposition, teaching and interacting with children came very naturally to her. In 1949 Jean married Paul Henry Mueller and was his steadfast partner in life for sixty-six years until Paul’s death in 2015. The two loved spending time at the shore in Bay Head, and sailing together on Henry’s sailboat, “The Saltine.” As devoted as she was in her role as wife, Jean was an equally devoted mother, and together she and Henry raised their son, Donald Vreeland Mueller. The three went on many adventures, traveling the world together as a family. Although she enjoyed travelling immensely, home was of great importance to Jean, and she spent many years volunteering and giving back to her community. A member of the Fortnightly Club, a local association dedicated to volunteerism, community service and outreach, as well as the Beacon Fire Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, (for which she served as Regent from 1971-1974) and the Central Presbyterian Church Summit Lady’s Groups, Jean felt called to make the world a better place in whatever way she could. Along with community service, other interests of Jean’s included her dogs, gardening, baking with her grandchildren and American antiques as well as classic cars (Packards and Duesenbergs being her favorite) a passion that she and Donald Sr. both shared. When grandchildren Donnie Vreeland Mueller Jr., Laura Whiteman Mueller (Dorsey) and Julia Underhill Mueller came along, Jean was delighted, and was the most incredible Nana to her grandchildren. Jean was also able to meet both of her great-grandchildren, Charlotte Grace Dorsey and Colman Everett Dorsey, whom she adored. For her family, friends and community, Jean’s love was constant and unconditional. We will miss the sweet sound of her laughter and the way her eyes sparkled with joy when she smiled. We will miss her love of animals and the ocean. We’ll miss pulling into the driveway and seeing her soaking up the sunshine in her oversized sunhat and chic sunglasses. We will miss hearing her ask if there was anything we needed, something that she did frequently as she was always wanting to do for others whatever she could. Jean was one of the most selfless people, and now she is at rest in a better place, and all that we need is for those who knew and loved her to remember this; “in a world where you can be anything, be kind.” That’s how Jean lived her life, and what better legacy to leave behind than one of love and kindness? In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105-9959. A private service will be held.


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