Born Jeanne Alicemae Heikkinen to Toivo and Hulda, in Toivola, MI on June 18, 1930, passed away February 14, 2019 in Chandler, AZ.
Jeanne graduated from Whitter College in 1954, professionally was a Med Tech Supervisor in charge of Special Chemistry and proudly was a Sorority gal within the Ionian Society. She attended 59 consecutive homecomings and Ionian reunions, her sorority sisters became lifelong friends, who she remained close to throughout her life. She met our Dad in 1956, when they were set up on a blind date. Ralph and Jeanne (Mom and Dad) tied the knot on February 2, 1957 and shared 54 years together full of travel, including so many cruises it is hard to count, trips to Europe and lots of travel across the country to visit family and friends in Michigan and Missouri.
Our Mom had multiple hobbies, including quilting (she won multiple blue ribbons for her quilts), enjoyed her church and was very involved serving on the music selection committee, and loved sharing her proud Finnish culture. She spoke Finnish fluently and loved sharing stories of her growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on Lake Superior.
She will be greatly missed by her children Mark (Joyce), Lisa, Lynne and Michel (Kerry); 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; Brother Ken and sister-in-law’s – Erica (Ricky) and Mary.
Jeanne was known as Mummu to all her grandchildren – Natalie, Michelle, Kimmy, Ryan, Kaley and Samantha and GGMummu to her great grandchildren – Haley, William, Liam, Isabelle, Jameson and Ronan.
Preceded in death by our amazing father, Ralph (2/14/2011) and her brother, Larry.
A Memorial Service will be held at Valley of the Sun Mortuary 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248 on March 2, 2019 at 10:30 am.
Family prefers donations be made to Brookdale Hospice 8222 S 48th St. Ste 105, Phoenix, AZ 85044 or First Lutheran Church 3863 Country Club Dr. Lucerne, CA 95458.
For further information contact Valley of the Sun Mortuary (480) 895-9232
Please share your memories by visiting …. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/chandler-az/jeanne-barnett-8174903
