Jean Tolle

The story concluded quietly at age 90 for Jean Marie (Bashor) Tolle early in the morning of October 3rd, 2024, at JourneyCare Pepper Family Hospice Care Center in Barrington, Ill. Among many earthly accomplishments and scholarly advancements that filled the pages of her life’s novel, Jean’s character was best known for her quick wit, brilliant conversations and stories, love for learning, passion for the arts, loyalty to the Chicago Cubs, and her indiscriminate, genuine kindness. Jean is survived by children Jeff Tolle (Judy) and Anne Pepper (Scot); and Jean’s grandchildren, Madeline Tolle, Ed Tolle (Marie); Frank, Claire, and Emma Rose Waliczek.  

A third-generation native Californian orange rancher, Jean Marie was born to Leona and Eugene Bashor in 1933. As a child, Jean was a voracious reader and writer, loved fishing and hiking near their Silver Lake cabin, and dreamed of adventures in airplanes, just like her idol Amelia Earhart.

 Jean’s family moved several times between southern and northern California, finally settling in the East Bay Area for Jean’s high school years in Piedmont. Jean chose to pursue higher education at Stanford University (BA-English, MA-Education) where she met MS-Geology candidate H. Edward Tolle. They fell in love over a few beers and Ed took her home to Mattoon, Ill. to meet his family. Ed proposed marriage. She accepted; under the condition she would never have to live in Illinois. 

Married in 1957, the couple drove from California to Ed’s second phase of USAF flight school in San Angelo, TX. Jean took advantage of an opportunity to take flight lessons, but one solo was enough. She earned her flight adventure and had a new story to tell. 

The U.S. Air Force and Ed’s civilian career moved Jean and Ed across the country a few times, and even back to Stanford for another degree. Jean taught elementary education and Sunday school at each stop. Two children later, United Airlines recruited Ed, and Jean faced a new proposal: “Will you please move to Illinois?” Jean’s family found their lifelong home in Barrington, Ill. where the family has resided since 1972.  

In Barrington, Jean quickly found her writing inspiration and collaborated with the Barrington Area Arts Council to launch Whetstone Magazine and the Barrington Writers’ Workshop. She wrote and published a children’s novel in the U.S. and Japan, The Great Pete Penney, and a young adult historical novel set in Ireland, The Galty Prize. Later in life Jean also wrote an epic historical romance novel about the 16th century Spanish explorer, Cabeza de Vaca, “The River of Palms” that is seeking publication. Jean’s short stories were published in a handful of literary magazines, and her poems have earned publication and awards. While raising her children in Barrington Jean taught preschool at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Barrington) and creative writing at Harper College (Palatine). Her reluctance to migrate to Illinois was quickly offset by both her love for the Barrington community, and the benefits of the “Friendly Skies.” All along, Jean was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan. 

All are welcome to join Jean’s family in celebration of her life October 19, 10 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 337 Ridge Rd, Barrington Hills, followed by a luncheon at Makray Memorial Golf Club. 

To honor Jean’s love of community, education, and baseball, please consider making a memorial gift in her name, to Chicago Baseball & Education Academy, The Harper College Foundation, or the Barrington Area Community Foundation