Jean L. Merano

SPRINGFIELD - Jean Lowery Merano, 95, died peacefully at Oak Terrace Healthcare Center on September 23, 2016. Jean was born in Springfield on September 19, 1921, the daughter of George and Florence Phares. After attending Brown’s Business School, she was employed at Franklin Life Insurance Company where she met her husband John Merano, Sr. They married at Grace Lutheran Church on November 9, 1946. She also worked for the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (now the State Board of Education) while her children were in college.

With her husband she was a member of the Springfield Motor Boat Club, local dance clubs, and was a regular bridge player at several venues. She was passionate about her family, traveling with her husband, the St. Louis Cardinals and Illini sports. She was blessed with excellent health, loved spoiling her progeny and, being an only child, savored many treasured friendships.

Jean will be remembered with love by her three children Ted (Patricia) Merano of Springfield, Barbara (Thomas) Pronk of Coralville, Iowa, and John (Mary Ann) Merano of Springfield, 7 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren, 2 nieces and 1 nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law Louis and Mary Gazelli Merano, 2 brothers-in-law Emil and Reno Merano, 1 sister-in-law Theresa Merano, and her grandson Dr. Jay Pronk.

A private family memorial service will be held, with Rev. Thomas B. Christell of Historic Grace Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow at the Rochester Cemetery where she will be inurned with her husband. Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be posted for the family.