Jean Kae Cederquist

Jean Kae Cederquist passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 29, 1944, in Farwell, Nebraska, she was the daughter of Isadore Joseph Kezeor and Lydia Lilian Kezeor of Farwell, Nebraska.

Jean attended Pius X High School in Lincoln, NE, where she was a cheerleader, and later continued her education at Duchesne College of the Sacred Heart in Lincoln. She graduated with a teaching certificate and began her career as a middle school teacher in California before transitioning into a highly successful career as an award-winning interior designer. Jean was an active member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and a faculty member at the Fashion Institute of Design in San Francisco, where she shared her knowledge and passion for design with aspiring students.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jean cherished her time with her family and friends. She found joy in gardening, playing golf at Napa Valley Country Club, and actively participating in her faith communities at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Napa, CA, and later at Christ the King Catholic Church in Evergreen, CO. Jean’s warmth, generosity, and elegance touched the lives of many. She was an avid reader and a formidable opponent in Scrabble and gin rummy.

Jean was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ken Cederquist; sister Mary Kezeor-Cox; sister Ann and Ron Slifka; son Darren, his wife Barbara Jo Maloney, and their sons, Dillon and Matthew; son Stephen and his wife Jana Maloney, and their children, daughter Petra and son Chase; and daughter Meghan Maloney Trubee and her daughter Lydia. She is also survived by her stepchildren Dan Cederquist, his wife Anne Pentland, their son Alex, his wife Jean, and Natalie and her husband Jim Levin, along with many dear friends.

Jean will be remembered for her kindness, quiet strength, and the beauty she brought into the lives of those around her. A memorial service will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in St. Helena, California, on Monday, April 14 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jean’s honor to the Catholic Diocese of Santa Rosa (California).