MADISON – Jean Miriam (Brownlow) Sherman was born in Wild Rose, Wis., on May 22, 1943.
Welcoming her home were her mother, Margaret, father, Carl, and big sister, Mary. Brothers Chuck and Jim joined the family in the coming years. Jean graduated from Wild Rose High School in 1961 and the Wisconsin State University–Stevens Point in 1965 as one the of the first graduates of the College of Fine Arts. She was an equal and loving partner in her marriage to Brad Sherman for 56 years, mother to Paul, Amy, and Eric, and grandmother to Jonathan, Pearl, and Indigo.
Jean was a soul engaged fully with the world through her senses. Every flower merited a careful examination of its structure, color, and scent. Birds and their songs thrilled her. Flavors frequently sent her into a reverie. She loved the sound of the human voice in song, particularly the church choirs she participated in for nearly her entire life. Touch, whether it be her garden’s soil, pie dough, or the silk of a milkweed was energizing. Floating in her beloved Stratton Lake, warmed by the sun above and supported by the gentle coolness of the water below, Jean would be the picture of absolute peace and contentment…