Jeanette A. Wade

Jeanette “Jan” Wade, 93, Rockford, died October 19m, 2013. She was born November 19, 1919 as a fraternal twin in Shawano, WI to George F. and Eva (Degan) Greb. She attended Shawano Grade School for a while until whe moved to Waukesha, WI where she finished high school and graduated from Marquette School of Nursing in Milwaukee, WI in 1942. as a registered nurse. Wanting to do something with her life, she joined the Navy Nurse Corp on September 10, 1942 and served through November 17, 1945. She was stationed at Oak Knoll Hospital, USN Recruiting Office in Oklahoma City, OK and Bremerton, WA. She was also stationed in Tulagi, New Caledonia and Samoa from February, 1944 through July, 1945 taking care of wounded soldiers. She received the Pacific Theater Medal of Honor for her service.

She married John R. Hughes on July 10, 1945 in Elkhorn, WI. She worked at Lakeland Hospital after the dissolution of her marriage. She married Dr. Chester Wade in July, 1969 and moved to Rockford. Jan taught at Swedish American School of Nursing for one year.

Jan was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous since 1990 until she passed. She played an active role in creating the “Over Fifties”. She was also a member of Visiting Nurse Association Hospice in Ogle and Winnebago County. She also helped out the “Ugly Quilters” that made quilts for the homeless.

Jan lived life to the fullest till she was struck down with Alzheimer’s. When the family was together there was always laughter and stories, she will be greatly missed.

Jan is survived by her children; Ann (Chuck) Munson of Flagler Beach Fl, Jane (Art) Elmer of Machesney Park; granddaughter Lisa (Shawn) Jones and great grandchildren, Dontae and Dysire of Cary Il; three step-children and several step grandchildren and great step grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; both of her husbands; twin sister, Jean; her sister

Georgia; step-son David and her son John.

A memorial service will be held at 10am Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Grace Lutheran Church, Loves Park. Pastor Gary Park will be officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded under the direction of Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services. A private graveside service will be held later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, Rockford.

Online condolences can be given at www.advantagerockford.com.