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NOW THAT’S A CLASSIC POSE – Does Jean Wedin have stories to tell! The 90 year-old’s career as a model took her to Egypt as a 30-something in the 1960s. Was she modelling sunglasses or just striking a pose? Ask her when you find her trotting down a La Conner street. – Photo courtesy of Jean Wedin
A former model and actress trained for roles in major productions, La Conner’s Jean Wedin was just fine with a small gathering honoring her 90th birthday Feb. 5.
The COVID-19 pandemic restricted the number of people who could share her special milestone event on Friday. But that didn’t dampen enthusiasm for the local celebration.
“There were four of us,” Wedin told the Weekly News in her trademark upbeat voice, “and we were very careful.”
The new nonagenarian showed her mastery of technology beforehand, posting on social media photos and clippings from her storied career for those unable to visit on her birthday due to the virus crisis.
Among her posts was an article from a Melbourne, Australia newspaper lauding Wedin, then known as Jeannie Gordon, as “an auburn-haired, grey-eyed English beauty” who had made numerous TV appearances with the British Broadcasting Corporation.
She included photos on a camel while on a tour of the Middle East in the early 1960s, on horseback at the historic Shiphay Manor Riding Academy in southeast England and in a diplomatic receiving line, among other professional photo agency images.
“The timing was right,” Wedin said of her trip to the Middle East, noting that three years later the region became embroiled in the Six-Day War between Israel, Jordan, Syria and Egypt.
Her move to the U.S. was well timed, too. Her husband, the late John Wedin, Jr., was founder and editor of “Fishermen’s News” and an advisor to iconic U.S. Sen. Warren G. Magnuson of Washington state.
Yet it has been in La Conner, where she has spent the last one-third of her life, that Wedin says she has truly found the Fountain of Youth.
“My last 30 years in La Conner,” she said, “have been wonderful.”
Prior to COVID-19, family has gathered here for large reunions hosted by Wedin. She enjoys many heartfelt local friendships.
“Living in La Conner is my secret to living a long life,” she said. “My body might say that I’m 90, but my spirit says I’m 45. I am still trotting along.”
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