Jean Orwig Eissman

Jean Orwig Eissman, 85 of Lakeland passed away on Monday, August 21, 2023, with her family by her side.

Born in Ardmore, PA on September 10, 1937, to Marvin and Kathryn Orwig. She graduated from Haverford High School in 1955 and Philadelphia General Hospital School of Nursing 1958. Jean worked as an RN and Emergency Department nursing supervisor at Polk General Hospital in Bartow, FL until the Hospital closed in 1995. Jean finished her career as a night nurse at the Hardee Correctional Institute and retired in 1999.

Jean was an avid volunteer. Upon moving to Lakeland in 1960, she was active with the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center as a board member, the Polk County Medical Auxiliary, and the Junior League of Greater Lakeland.

After retirement, Jean enjoyed volunteering at Valrico Elementary where her daughter worked, and participating in activities with her group of Red Hat friends. Jean began volunteering for Polk Senior Games in 2004. She served on the Executive Committee and was a Board member for many of those years. She served as the chairman of the Risk Management committee for many years including during the COVID19 pandemic. Jean volunteered every Tuesday in the office and at events such as swimming, dancing, and road race/walk. She also competed and was a medal winner for Senior smarts, bag toss and fishing.

Jean was an avid sports fan and loved watching the Tampa Bay Rays and Buccaneers. She especially loved the Florida Gators and attended many games in Gainesville as a season ticket holder and traveled to many away games to cheer on the Gators.

Jean had a quick wit and dry sense of humor that endeared her to everyone she met.

Jean is survived by her sons Chris (Alena) Eissman of Valrico, Todd Eissman of Lakeland, daughter Kathy (William) Cowart of Tampa, sister Barbara Orwig of Easton, PA and grandson Robert Eissman.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 2-5 pm at the Event Center at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Fund in her name has been established at Polk Senior Games, 515 East Boulevard Street, Bartow, Florida 33830