About Jean Toh
A mom, wife, and high school English teacher for most of her adult life, Jean Toh retired in 2000 to travel, learn to dance, take up old hobbies, and continue living what she thought was a charmed life. It was during this time, however, that the seriousness of Brandon’s mental illness became more apparent. Despite his struggles with bipolar illness, the family experienced laughter, tears, fun, tragedy, and even a trip to Antarctica, the only place Brandon ever wanted to visit. Jean will always cherish the memories of this trip. After his suicide in 2012, Jean’s life was irrevocably changed. Her journey of healing included being a member of a support group which led to her desire to be a grief facilitator. She now volunteers with the Beyond Loss Bereavement Ministry, is on the Survivors after Suicide Advisory Board of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, has served as speaker and on panels dealing with mental health issues, all activities that honor Brandon and his legacy.
