Eleanor Jean Dewey

Eleanor Jean Dewey, 89, of Bellaire died on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Eastport Village Care Home.

Jean was born on October 29, 1935 in Mancelona, Michigan; the daughter of Joseph B. Hardy and Dorothy J. (Robb) Hardy.

Jean graduated from Mancelona High School in 1953 and she graduated from Davenport Institute in Grand Rapids in 1955.

On January 18, 1958, she married Orland D. Dewey and they made their home in Bellaire. Jean and Orland celebrated 60 years of marriage on 1/18/2018. Orland passed away on April 23, 2018.

Jean was a member of the Bellaire Community United Methodist Church since 1959.

Early in her career, Jean worked for attorney Walter P. O’Hair and for Justice Thomas Nash. In January 1967, Jean was appointed by Forest Home Township board, to serve as Justice of The Peace. In approximately 1969, Jean was hired as Magistrate of 87th District Court in Antrim County. Jean continued her work as Magistrate and Deputy Clerk until her retirement in December 2002.

She made many friends over the years working at the County Court House. She served under several 87th District Court Judges. Jean worked with the Antrim County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan State Police, issuing search warrants, setting bonds, etc. Jean also performed several weddings for Antrim County residents.

In the 1970’s Jean and Orland leased land on Wart Lake, Ontario, Canada and together with their children and friends, built a rustic family cabin that provided over 30 years of memories and stories.

After retirement, Jean and Orland enjoyed spending more time with their grown children and their 4 grandchildren --- always looking forward to the weekends when EVERYONE came “up north”. Jean and Orland also traveled to Florida several times in their retirement years.

Jean loved her children and her grandchildren very much; always making birthday cakes, picking berries, doing arts and crafts, etc. with the grandkids. Jean also loved animals, her favorites were big dogs and small guinea pigs.

Jean is survived by her children, Kelley (Kurt) Shoecraft of Bellaire, Kevin (Tammy) Dewey of Shelby Township; grandchildren Kendall (Heather) Shoecraft, Kathryn Shoecraft, Diana (Justin) Cantu, Devon (Kelsey) Dewey; great grandson Colton; and many special nieces and nephews; along with exchange student Jack Pheifer and his family of the Netherlands. Jean is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Marlene) Hardy.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and her spouse.

The family would like to thank EVCH for the care Jean received, with special thanks to Melanie, Brittany, Diana, JoAnn, Sally, Jacque, Robin, Kimberlee, Heather and others. Jean also received care from Kari Mark, N.P. Additionally, for the last year, Jean received care and compassion from the Compassus Hospice Team of Gaylord – including Shea, Colleen, Lindsay, Ann, Brianna,

Terese and several others, for which the family is grateful.

Memorial contributions can be made to: Bellaire Community United Methodist Church, 401 N. Bridge St., Bellaire, MI 49615. Or to Antrim County Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 614, Bellaire, MI 49615. Or to Antrim County Animal Control, 4660 M-88, Bellaire, MI 49615.

Memorial services will be held in May, with the date yet to be determined.

Arrangements are being handled by Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.