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Jean Thomas Ladson, 94, of Islamorada, Fla., died of heart failure Nov. 1, 2010, in Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, Fla.

Born July 28, 1916, in Ashton, she was the daughter of the late Elza Bentley Thomas and Frederic Thomas.

She was the wife of the late Thomas A. Ladson.

Mrs. Ladson attended schools in Pennsylvania and graduated in 1934 from George School. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1939.

Following graduation, she returned to Maryland and worked at Washington's Sidwell Friends School and the Friends School of Baltimore. Mrs. Ladson excelled in a variety of activities, from playing basketball to teaching sailing. She served as a member of multiple civic boards and clubs.

Throughout her life, she was an accomplished floral designer and gardener. She received The Evening Star Bowl from Patricia Nixon, wife of Richard Nixon, at the opening of the 1959 National Flower Show for her leadership in the Friendship Garden Club's winning entry. She was president of the National Capital Area Federation of Garden Clubs from 1969 to 1971. She was a member of the Women's Board of Montgomery General Hospital and of the Mutual Improvement Association of Sandy Spring. She was an ongoing supporter and benefactor of Sandy Spring Museum and its 2007 Jean Thomas Ladson Library and Archive was named in her honor.

Survivors include a son, Thomas A. Ladson and wife Jeanne of Ridge; a daughter, Judith R. Ladson of Ashton; and three grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Cornelia "Neka" Thomas and Sue T. Turner.

A celebration of her life will be on Saturday at 11a.m. at Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road in Sandy Spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice.

Beyer Funeral Home in Key Largo, Fla., handled arrangements.