Jeanette E. Orr

Retired Pioche Episcopal Church priest Rev. Jeanette E. Orr, age 97, passed away on Christmas Day, 2013, at her home in Escondido, Calif. She was born Oct. 11, 1916, in Downers Grove, Ill. to Floyd and Lulu Wells. Shortly after she was born, her family moved to California.

Jean grew up in Walnut Creek, Calif., with her three sisters. She attended local schools and the University of California at Berkeley. She met Bill Orr while both were working in San Francisco. They were married in San Francisco on April 14, 1943, and moved to Pioche in 1947 when Bill returned to help in the family business. Jean lived in Pioche until 2007, when she moved to Escondido to be near her daughter.

Jean was a devoted mother, wife, and homemaker, and was active in many Pioche activities. She had a life-long love of music, and played organ in the local Episcopal Church for many years. She also helped at Pioche Grade School as an accompanist, as well as librarian and substitute teacher.

Jean was active in Eastern Star and the Episcopal Church, both locally and at the state level. In 1974, she began studies to become an ordained priest in a program to provide services in local churches. She completed her studies and was ordained a deacon in 1979. On Feb. 17, 1980, she was one of the first two women to be ordained Episcopal priests in Nevada. After retiring, she remained active in Christ Church Episcopal until she left Pioche.

Jean is survived by her children Mike, Russ, and Barbara, and by her four grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of over 51 years, her daughter Pat, and her sisters Eleanor, Dorothy and Marjorie.

A Holy Eucharist is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. at Christ Church Pioche, followed by a graveside service conducted by the Order of the Eastern Star. A reception will be held at the Pioche Town Hall following the services.