Jean Marie Herrington

Jean Marie (Huycke) Herrington passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Port Townsend. Jean was the second of three girls born to Cecil Huycke and Nina Winifred Lass on April 5, 1935. Jean had a busy life and never slowed down until the very end.

She is remembered for her continuous positive attitude, her lighthearted sense of humor, and just overall good spirits.

Jean graduated from Port Angeles High School in 1953. She entered nursing school at St. Jude Hospital in Tacoma in Sept 1953. Jean went to 2 years of nursing school but decided to end her nursing program after meeting and marrying Herbert G Herrington in November 1955. Jean and Herb had four children together: David, Bonnie, Gerald, and Patricia. The Herrington family moved to Issaquah in 1958, where they lived until 1988.

Jean and Herb spent 57 years together before Herb passed away from dementia-related illness in 2012. With four children they always seemed very busy. For many years Jean was a homemaker while Herb worked at Boeing. In 1971, when Boeing was laying off thousands of employees weekly, Jean and Herb, along with friends the Hesses, opened the Aetna Wine and Beer making supply store in downtown Issaquah. Jean worked there part time. After a few years of business and realizing that the wine and beer-making supply idea was very seasonal, they bought out the Hesses and expanded their store to include natural foods. The new business became Issaquah Natural Foods. Later they added the Greyhound bus stop. While it seemed an unusual mix of three different types of business under one roof, the store was successful and they operated it right up to their "retirement” to Port Townsend in 1988. Jean also steadfastly supported Herb when he served on the Issaquah City Council and when he was Issaquah’s mayor from 1974-1981. For many years she coordinated the making of a quilt that was raffled off during Salmon Days; proceeds went to Issaquah Community Services.

In Port Townsend they started the next phase of their “retired” years by operating a bed and breakfast in the Dr. Baker house. They bought the old Victorian house with a magnificent view overlooking the harbor and began the renovation needed to make it the ideal B&B. They proceeded to lift the house, put in a basement, add an attached garage with two additional rooms above it, and add a 4th floor for projects. They operated the Baker House Bed and Breakfast from 1990 to 2005. During the B&B years Jean and Herb entertained and housed many travelers from around the world who would return each year for the friendliness and hospitality. The excellent breakfast didn’t hurt either.

Jean was a lifelong artist who enjoyed many different facets of art. Throughout her life she was either drawing, painting, putting together collages, or doing stained glass work. To this day her stained glass frames the front door of their house along with many different and unique designs hanging in the many different windows throughout the house.

Jean and Herb had a strong natural bond in addition to their enduring respect and care for each other. They were always holding hands or cooing playfully with each other right up to the end of Herb’s life.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Alice and Kathryne (Kitten), her husband Herb, her daughter Patty, and her son Jerry. She is survived by her son David, daughter in law Val, daughter Bonnie, and four grandchildren: Jeremy, Elizabeth, and Nathaniel Lynn and Rachael Tilger, and by many loving nieces and nephews.

Jean enjoyed life, even with all its ups and downs. She was always positive and patient and reflected the good in people. She was truly a shining star. She is very missed, but we know she’s dancing with Herb again, smiling, and keeping everyone in a happy place.

A private interment ceremony will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to Jefferson County Hospice, through Jefferson Healthcare Medical Center, in remembrance of Herbert and Jean Herrington.

Miss you mom, love you, and thank you for everything you’ve done for us. As you always said, “We’ll just take it one day at a time” and yes, we will.

Good job mom.