Obituary of Jean Bard

Jean Bard, 91, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 9, 2020. Jean was born in 1929 in Wauwatosa Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Edna and John Yunker. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1952 with a BS degree in Home Economics. While at UW, Jean met her future husband, George Bard. Jean and George were active members of the Hoofers (Outing Club) at UW and kept in touch with many friends long after graduation. They were married in 1953 in Wauwatosa WI. Jean, George and family moved to Manhattan Beach, CA in 1958. They also enjoyed many wonderful family times at their Lake Arrowhead CA cabin. Jean was very active in the Girl Scouts as a leader as well as the AFS (American Field Service - an international student exchange program) and hosted their first exchange daughter from South Africa, Karen Hindson from 1971-1972. The Bard family relocated to Boone, NC in 1972. Jean founded the AFS program in Boone and they hosted their second daughter, Brigitte Lintner from Austria from 1976-1977. Jean worked as a hospital dietician in both Torrance CA and Watauga County NC. She helped develop and earn accreditation of the hospital nutrition and dietary programs for the Watauga County and Avery County area hospitals. Jean obtained her master's in library science in 1979 from Appalachian State University. Jean cherished her family, family time and holidays spent together. Jean had a love of camping, traveling, gardening, music and reading. She had an inquisitive mind and developed a passion for genealogy. She took the opportunity to reach out to relatives nationally and internationally. She created an extensive library of the family lineage. Jean was a long-time active member of Appalachian State University's Senior Scholars and the Boone United Methodist Church, giving her service to both in many ways throughout the years. Jean is survived by her husband George of 67 years, her brother John Yunker, (Lillian, Alabama), 3 children, Lynne (George) Hancock, Beaufort SC, Richard (Leslie) Bard, Chapel Hill, NC and Nancy (Roger) Bard-Nelson of Blowing Rock, NC and her 2 AFS daughters, Dr. Karen Hindson (Weinheim, Germany) and Brigitte Lintner (Prague, Czech Republic). Jean was the beloved Grandma, "Nana", to Aaron Nelson (Boston, MA) and sister Rachel Nelson (Blowing Rock, NC), sisters, Holly Bard (Greenville, SC), and Melissa Bard (Los Angeles, CA) and George Hancock Jr. (Missoula, MT). The Bard family would like to extend sincere thanks to the caring staff of Home Instead and the wonderful nurses and staff of Medi Home Health and Hospice for the support provided. A small private family service will be held. Due to the COVID19 pandemic there will be no visitation. Per her wishes Jean's ashes will be spread in Western North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jean's memory to AFS at https:www.afsusa.org On-line messages of condolence and sympathy may be made to: https://austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com