Jean von Dohrmann

Jean von Dohrmann lived a very full life. She passed away at home on April 19 of natural causes at age 83. Born January 3, 1933 in Aitkin, Minnesota to Almira and Gordon Tully, Jean had a happy childhood with her three siblings and enjoyed life. Growing up, she and her family moved around a lot while her father was serving in the Army during World War II. They settled in San Antonio, Texas when Jean was a teenager, and she graduated from Breckenridge High School there in 1951. That same summer she married her high school sweetheart, Harry Ellis, and together they raised three children.

Jean first came to Alaska in 1965, to Pt. Barrow, and settled permanently in Alaska in 1967, moving to Anchorage, where she lived the rest of her life. She worked for Commercial Contractors for several years and later for Allen & Petersen. Her long time friend and employer, Joe Hayes relied on Jean for many years to manage his business dealings. Jean managed to work full time, go to college at night, and raise a family, while staying active in many organizations, such as Women in Construction, The Society of Women Accountants, Horizons Investment Club, and the Alaska Commission on the Status of Women, serving for a time as chair. In later years, Jean was very active as a volunteer usher at the Performing Arts Center and as a volunteer at the polls on election day.

Throughout life, Jean was known by her friends and family as an independent and strong woman. A poster hung in her home carried her sentiments with the phrase “Don’t pray for an easy life, pray to be a strong person.” Yet she was very caring, generous and attentive to her far-flung family.

Jean is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Paul Skvorc, of Wasilla, their daughters Erin (OB) Vincent of Utah and Caitlin Skvorc of Wasilla, son Bradley Ellis and his children Lessa Ellis, Chris Ellis, Michael Ellis, Patrick Ellis and Thomas Ellis of Texas, son Jeff Ellis of Oregon and his children Jack Ellis and Kara Ellis Makris, sister Carol Tully of Texas, Lorraine (Tully) Elliott and husband Roger of Texas, nephews Peter and Andy Elliott, niece Sally Elliott Allin and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father Gordon Tully, mother Almira Tully and brother Jim Tully.

Jean’s final resting place will be at the Anchorage Memorial Park. A celebration of life will be held on April 29 for Jean’s friends and family. Please call 279-4836 for details.