Obituary of Jean Raiss

Jean Raiss was born September 24, 1928 in Ann Arbor, Michigan and passed away on September 5, 2023.  She was married to Carl Raiss (who pre-deceased her) and has two daughters, Julie Slayback, who is married to Scott with two sons Luke and Paul, as well as Sarah Raiss, who is married to Danny Dalla-Longa with two step children, Damian and Adrienne.

Jean was a “cutting edge” traveler who had been to over 87 foreign countries. Her favorite country was New Guinea.  The Flint Journal recognized Jean and her travels with highlights on her Antarctica trip to see the Emperor Penguins at age 78!

Growing up Jean was very athletic, loving to play field hockey, baseball and with coaches wanting to train her for the Olympics in swimming.  She was an avid reader, bridge player, community volunteer and loved spending time with her close friends.

She received a BA in English and History from the University of Michigan in 1950 and a Teaching Certificate from Eastern Michigan University in 1951.  She taught first grade for three years and substitute taught for a number of years while her girls were growing up.

Jean contributed huge amounts of time and leadership talent giving back to her community.  She volunteered for:  the National Guild Work Association, the American Association of University Women, Easter Seal, Allegro Institute of Music, the Parent Teachers Association, ZETA Sorority, Flint Institute of Music Auxiliary Board, CARE Africa and Junior Lady Wolverton.  She is a true role model for the difference one person is indeed able to make in a community, and she and Carl were recognized with the Carl and Jean Raiss Garden in Creasey Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc, Michigan. She was named Most Outstanding Woman of the Year by the Flint Chapter of the American Association of University Women.

Jean was outgoing and charming, a great community leader, and a very well-liked person.  She was lots of fun as exemplified by the “wild” pants she wore all the time.  To know Jean was to know and experience her strong determination, positive attitude, and wit. She was greatly loved and will be missed by all who knew and were touched by her.