Jean Galan, co-founder of San Diego-based A&G Sales Promotion Ltd. (asi/101230), passed away on Oct. 22. She was 80.

Born in Singapore, Jean was only 3 years old when her father died. She was sent to live with her grandparents in Jamaica, where she met Sam, the love of her life, at 17 years old. Three years later, they married (and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary). Their daughter Deborah was born that December and their second daughter Christine arrived a year and a half later.

A couple of entrepreneurs, Jean and Sam ran several successful businesses together. For 10 years, they owned and operated a manufacturing and distributor company, in which Jean led the sales and marketing effort. Due to political turmoil in Jamaica, they uprooted the family and moved to San Diego, and in 1984, they launched A&G Sales Promotion Ltd.

“My mother was the driving force of our company,” said Deborah, company director. “She worked 10-hour days, sometimes seven days a week, and she never retired. She was a rock for everyone around her.”

When Christine became seriously ill with an autoimmune disease in 1998, Jean oversaw all the healthcare teams that would produce years of medical miracles in her daughter’s life, including heart, liver and kidney transplants.

“Jean believed in and lived a life full of family, work, love and fun,” Christine said. “You know if you have ever been to one of her parties. She built a strong family and group of friends. With loving memories, we build on her life. She will be forever in our hearts.”

A memorial service was held on Oct. 25. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Temple Adat Shalom in Poway, CA.