Alma Jean Brodell

Devoted mother, brilliant student and philanthropist, Jean Brodell was born on February 25, 1928, and was raised in Canton, Ohio, along with sister, Betty, and brother, Dale, by loving parents, Roy and Alma Moreland. Growing up, she enjoyed ice skating, swimming and visiting with family, especially her first cousin, Roberta "Bobbie" McGregor, in Tarentum, Pennsylvania. Summers spent on Chautauqua Lake in western New York provided especially fond memories.
Although Jean was an excellent mathematician and insightful writer, she chose to forgo higher education to support the academic exploits of her high school sweetheart, Harold, whom she married in 1949. They found life-long friends at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and then, subsequently, during internship and residency training at the University of North Carolina and Case Western Reserve University.
With three young children, Jean then organized moves to San Antonio, Texas, and to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where Harold served as Captain in the United States Army. In 1960, the family finally settled in Warren, Ohio, where a medical office/home facility had been built on East Market Street. Although it was unusual for a physician and his wife/office manager to live and work together in the same building, the arrangement was so efficient and effective that it inspired two of their children, Jim and Bob, to do the same thing across the street! In fact, a Brodell has now been continuously practicing medicine in Warren for over 57 years.
Jean expressed unconditional love for her family. Children, Jim, Bob and Sandy, remember her typing term papers, helping with assignments all the way through college, preparing amazing Thanksgiving feasts and hosting large reunions and parties for family and friends. She had a special recipe for baked beans, known as "Jean's beans," which remains a family proprietary secret!
In addition to her love of ballroom dancing, Jean liked to travel and very much enjoyed retirement living in Boca Raton, Florida. To be closer to family, a few years ago, she and Harold returned to Warren. Approximately six months ago, they moved to Jackson, Mississippi, to a wonderful care facility where they could share a room and get the medical support they needed. Jean is survived by her husband (Harold), three children: Dr. Jim (Ann) Brodell, Drs. Bob (Linda) Brodell and Sandy(Eli) Hilas; eight grandchildren: Dr. Lindsey (Kevin) Dolohanty, Julie (Derek) Smith, Dr David (Taylor) Brodell, Dr Erin (Bryan) Tilton, Nathan, Michael Hilas, Jimmy and Andy and two great-grandchildren Kara Dolohanty and Charlie Brodell, her sister Betty and first cousin Bobbie.
Family will receive friends Friday, January 27, 2017 from 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm and again one hour prior to services at McFarland & Son Funeral Home, Warren. Services will be held Saturday 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at 1:30 pm at North Lawn Cemetery, Cleveland Ave. Canton.
In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to the Harold Louis Brodell, M.D. and Alma Jean Brodell Musculoskeletal Research Fund at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York.
Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland and Son Funeral and Cremation Services Co, 271 North Park Avenue, Warren, OH 44481, 330-393-9621. Please visit www.McFarlandCares.com to view this obituary, send condolences.