Obituary of Edna Jean Sewell

In Loving Memory

Edna Jean Haaf Sewell

October 28, 1939-October 14, 2023

Heaven gained a beautiful angel when Edna Jean Sewell passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the age of 83. Jean, or Jeannie as she was known to her close friends and family, was born in Bridgeton, NJ on October 28, 1939. She lived in Woodstown, NJ with her parents and 3 brothers until her big move to NYC to begin her adventures in college. Her journey took a “slight” detour upon falling in love with her first husband. Jean lived in various places as she began raising her family. Her love of sheep, and all things related to them, began on her farm in Elfrida, AZ. The family settled in Tucson, AZ where Jean lived, laughed, and loved in the place she called home.

Jean meant so much, to so many people and will be greatly missed. She taught her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren life lessons that will never be forgotten. She was a beacon of strength and a blanket of comfort. Jean taught us to appreciate nature, value all things living and protect those who need protecting. She taught the value in forgiveness, the beauty in kindness and the importance of independence. It is those memories that will keep Jean alive in our hearts.

Jean began her working career as a legal assistant at a local law firm. There, she made lifelong friends and cared for not just the files, but the people in the files. Many of these clients became members of her family. Jean’s superpower was establishing relationships and supporting those around her. She helped develop a successful real estate company and finally chased her heart’s desire by opening Sonoita Antiques at the crossroads in Sonoita, AZ. Her oldest grandchildren were fortunate enough to go to work with her to learn business sense, ownership pride, marketing, and customer service. Jean had an incredible work ethic and instilled this in all her children and grandchildren. During this time, Jean lived on a ranch in the Rosemont area of Sonoita. She returned to her passion of caring for sheep and horses and thrived in her new ranch life. Her remarkable ability to build relationships continued as she befriended the ranching community and the many antique collectors in the area. Jean could talk for hours about horses, sheep, antiques, her children, and her grandchildren!

Jean left behind so many who loved and appreciated her. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Helen Haaf, Sr. and son, Jeffrey Bryan Sewell. She was a loving big sister to her brothers, Charles (Marie) Haaf Jr, Thomas (Betty Ann) Haaf and Gary (Sue) Haaf. She was an amazing mother to her children, Jill (Stephen) Devlin, Jack Barry Sewell, and Jeanine (Jarrod) Sanders. She adored her grandchildren; Nichales, Kellie Jean (David), Jordan, Kaylie, Dillon, Chase Cody, Justin (Sarah), Cody, Kasandra, Jesse, Corey, Chase, Trevor, Rylan and Kaiden as well as her great grandchildren; Florence, Sadie, Remi Jackson, Laurenna, Elaina, Angelina, Elijah, Saralyn, Hudson, Jameson, Emersyn Jean and Remi Isaac. Although Jean outlived many of her friends, she leaves behind several that are forever changed because they were blessed to have her in their lives.

Jean was an exceptional woman who inspired everyone who was lucky enough to cross her path. Her legacy will live on in the memories of those she left behind. We will forever be better because of her influence, wisdom, and love. She will be greatly missed as a piece of our hearts left this earth with her. Until we meet again!

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 1:00pm at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in the Pioneer Hall located in Sonoita, AZ. In leu of flower’s please consider donating to the Alzheimer Association at https://www.alz.org as a tribute in Jean’s name.