Jeanne Curran (O'Neil)

Curran, Jeanne (O'Neil)

Our mother Jeanne, member of the Greatest Generation, passed away on Thursday, December 6 in her home at Arbor North Living Center at the age of 98 years. She leaves behind a long legacy of good stories and loving relationships. Born in Jackson on January 31, 1920, she was the second of four surviving children born to Lena Bassett O'Neil and John Charles O'Neil. Jeanne grew up on Leroy Street on the east side of Jackson in a neighborhood settled by Irish and Polish families. She went to St. John's School where she made many lifelong friends. After high school, she attended the former Jackson Business University in 1939 to complete a secretarial program. When she graduated, she became a secretary at a business in downtown Jackson called the Kellogg Corset Company, where she continued working during the WWII years.
After the war, her future husband, Vernon Curran, worked for the US Post Office and delivered mail to her office. Jeanne and Vernon had both attended St. John's School and knew of each other but weren't really acquainted. Needing a date for an upcoming sorority dance at the Hotel Hayes, it was Jeanne who first asked Vernon out. The two married on June 28, 1947. They had six children that they raised in a house at 610 W. High Street. Vernon passed away in 1995.

The family were members of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish where Jeanne was a member of the Altar Society and St. Monica Circle. Jeanne and Vernon were avid card players and met many dear friends playing bridge. In her later years, Jeanne came to live at the Arbor North Living Center where she was a sought-after Euchre partner. For a time, her sister Shirley and brother Phil also lived there—all three siblings in their 90's.

She is preceded in death by her husband Vernon, two daughters, Patricia (Larry) Taber, Kathryn E. Curran, daughter-in-law, Colleen Curran, and by her siblings John Howard O'Neil, Shirley O'Neil Chesley, and Philip O'Neil. Jeanne is survived by four of her six children—sons John P. Curran and Timothy A. (Melanie) Curran, daughters Joan Curran-Ellsworth (Roger) and Peggy (Tim) Koenigsknecht. She was known as "Mama Jeanne" by several generations of family and friends.

In addition, there are thirteen grandchildren, Bryan Taber (Bobby Jo Kinney), Jennifer (David) Fuller, Jason Taber (fiancé Holly Childs), Timothy (Emily) Curran, Meghan (Matthew) Wilson, John R. Curran, Sarah Curran, Joseph Curran, Mark (Brooke) Koenigsknecht, Michelle Koenigsknecht, Luke Koenigsknecht, Tom Ellsworth, and Jim Martin. Also, three great grandchildren, Hailey Fuller, Mason Fuller, Bryce Taber, and another on the way!

Jeanne is at the Desnoyer Funeral Home where a prayer service will be held on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 9:30 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church with Fr. Tim Nelson officiating. Interment at St. John's Catholic Cemetery.

Family will greet friends and relatives at Desnoyer Funeral Home at 204 N. Blackstone Street in Jackson on Tuesday, December 11 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 6:00 PM.

Memorial donations are suggested to St. Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School.

Desnoyer Funeral Home

Family owned for 128 years