Jean Messecar Caldwell

Jean Arlene Messecar was born to Mrytle and Forrest Earl Messecar in Owasso, Michigan on July 20, 1927 as the oldest fraternal twin with James Messecar. She grew up in Michigan. She attended Alma College and began her law studies at the University of Detroit. She moved with her parents to a new town – Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She graduated from University of Tulsa Law School in 1953. She was the only women to take the Bar exam (she was one of only four women in the Tulsa Law School (then a 4-year program). She married Robert E. Caldwell on November 12, 1953 at Holy Family Cathedral. She worked in a small firm and was then hired as one of the first women – as an attorney in the Tulsa County District Attorney’s office, assigned to family matters and was let go when she became pregnant. Successfully raised six children. She is survived by: Catherine Mary Caldwell (of Tulsa), Kevin Gerard Caldwell and his wife Linda (of Stratford), David Earl Caldwell (of Oklahoma City), Ann Marie Owen and her husband R. Edward (of Tulsa), Mary Kay Caldwell and John Callahan of Grove) and Matthew Edward Caldwell (Norman). She has six grandchildren: Mark Daniel Johnson (Broken Arrow), Sarah Caldwell Cross and her husband Cornell (of Tulsa), Lisa Caldwell (El Paso, TX), Julie Ann Caldwell (OKC), Christopher Caldwell (Tulsa), Melanie Ann Owen (Tulsa) and one great-grandchild – Winter Rose Cross of Tulsa. She was an active member at Madalene Church as her children grew. She started the first Diocese pre-school education program. She was active with her children in Campfire Girls, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rainbow Girls, and more. A personal highlight for her was joining the Holy Family Cathedral Choir and going to Rome to sing at the Vatican. She then remained a choir member for almost 20 years until knee surgery prevented her from climbing the stairs to the choir loft. She continued her education at Loyola University Pastoral Studies program available through the Tulsa Diocese and received her Master’s in Theological Studies in 1989. She was a member of The Oklahoma Bar Association since 1953 and was a member of Phi Mu Sorority. Asked to be a sponsor, she began helping with RCIA program which she continued with for many years. While helping Sister Eugenia reboot the Religious Education program, she helped to build the Nursery downstairs at Holy Family Cathedral, and continuing to teach religious education for many years. She was an active member of the Cathedral’s Women’s Club and as President she helped get the Bride’s room renovation done. She spent many hours volunteering at Madonna House and at the Laura Dester Center, being there to talk, rock babies or comfort children. At Monsignor Halpine’s request she became the delegate from Holy family to the Tulsa Metropolitan Ministries and remained on the committee for many years. She also joined Church Women United, as Holy Family Cathedral’s representative, most of the time being the only Catholic in attendance. An active member in the Tulsa Council of Catholic Women she participated as a Board member and was the Legislative chairman for many years. She followed her dreams against the odds and lived her life successfully, she was a devout Catholic and did her best to serve as a Christian example for all. A Visitation will be held from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Thursday at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel. A Rosary will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday and Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday both at Holy Family Cathedral. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.

Jean Messecar Caldwell

July 20, 1927 - July 13, 2019