TRAVERSE CITY — Jean Ellen Britten, of Traverse City, was born into eternal life on Monday, March 7, 2011, at her home, after a lengthy illness. Born on Oct. 4, 1935, in Detroit, she was the only child of Charles Eugene and Helen Virginia Ward. She graduated from Immaculata High School and earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in Education from the University of Detroit.On Aug. 17, 1957, at Duns Scotus Franciscan Monastery in Detroit, she married Norman Dennis Britten from Groom, Texas. They lived in Detroit, Lansing and in Montpelier, Vt., before moving to Traverse City in 1969.Jean taught elementary school for the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools for 20 years and was honored in 1986 and in 1998 as an Outstanding Educator by the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. She also tutored students for the Grand Traverse Dyslexia Association.Jean is survived by four sons, Charles (Debbie), John (Cordie), Paul (Darcy) and Thomas (Connie); two daughters, Therese (Bob) Rhein and Susan (Jim) McManus; 35 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Stephen, in 1963, and her husband, Norman, in January 2005.Jean enjoyed spending time with her family, homemaking, swimming, ballroom dancing with her husband, gardening and bridge. She was an Eucharist minister at Immaculate Conception Church and at Munson Hospital. Jean was a devoted follower of Jesus and sought to reflect him in her daily life. Visitation for family and friends will take place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Traverse City on Sunday, March 13, from 2 until 4 p.m., with the rosary being prayed at 3:30 p.m., led by her family. A Bible Vigil service will take place at the church, also on Sunday, from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. led by the Rev. Anthony Citro.The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, March 14, at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Anthony Citro and Father Michael Janowski concelebrating the Mass. Burial will follow at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.In remembrance, memorials may be directed to the Grand Traverse Dyslexia Association, 920 Hasings, Traverse City, MI 49686; Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools Scholarship Fund, 123 East 11th St, Traverse City, MI 49684 or to Bethany Christian Adoption Services, 1055 Carriage Hill Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.