Jeanne’s story is one of resilience, perseverance and love.
Jeanne was born “Jane Lorraine” on August 17, 1929 in Chicago IL. Her mother later changed her name to Jeanne Marie. Jeanne’s parents, Louis T. Berger and Margaret (Greta) Raaf, both passed when Jeanne was very young, her father when she was only 5-years-old and her mother when she was 7-years-old.
Jeanne and her siblings: sister, Dorothy (Dorian) Berger and brother, Theadore (Teddy) Berger, were placed in the Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Children’s School in Normal Illinois. Jeanne’s aunts and uncles were not able to provide for the children as the Great Depression had made it so difficult for them to even care for their own. However, her sister Dorian was found to have diabetes, rendering the orphanage unable to care for her, so she was taken in by an aunt. Jeanne was not able to get to know her siblings until they were young adults. Once an adult, she was also able to have a relationship with her maternal grandfather, John, who immigrated from Sweden, as a young adult.
Jeanne married at the age of 16 and birthed 6 children, who grew up in North Chicago IL. She was later divorced and then, being a strong, independent woman, went to work at Fansteel as an inspector. While working at Fanstell she was a member of the I.A.M. A.F.L Union. Jeanne said she worked to provide her children with the little things she thought they should have.
Jeanne met her match when she befriended a handsome sailor, Harry T. Andersen. They were married in 1969 aboard the USS Plymouth Rock LSD 29, and had many life adventures together. They traveled around the US, attending Navy ship reunions, sightseeing, and visiting family. They also took a trip to Norway to visit Harry’s family.
Though Jeanne didn’t have family as a child, she built a massive family of her own, and filled it with hope and love. She was more than just a mother and grandmother to her descendants, she was also their friend. Jeanne spent hours on the phone with her children and grandchildren. She would never miss a wedding or graduation, or fail to show up when a family member was struggling, no matter how far she had to travel. For family that lived nearby she attended every recital, school function, sporting event, and weekend shopping trip.
Jeanne sadly lost her precious daughter, Patricia, in 2004. To carry on, she kept a journal and wrote letters to Patricia after she passed, and continued to pour her love on Patricia’s daughter Corey, and her family. Jeanne was no stranger to loss, but this loss was particularly heartbreaking. Her family is blessed to have her as an example of how to persevere through difficult times, and keep a heart open to love. Her heart was never hardened by her pain.
Jeanne was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed reading biographies. There wasn’t a prominent figure or movie star she hadn’t read about, and specifically loved to read about leading and glamorous women like Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor. Going to Jeanne and Andy’s (Harry) home you would always find fresh vacuum lines in the carpet, coffee brewing, some kind of pie in the refrigerator (probably peanut butter pie), and the latest InStyle magazine in the magazine rack.
When Jeanne was in her 80’s she was able to find and connect with her cousin, Lollo, who lives in Sweden. They formed a quick and strong relationship, writing letters and sharing photos of family members.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her father and mother, Louis T. Berger and Margaret (Greta) Raaf, her daughter Patricia, her brother Theodore, her sister Dorian, her son-in-law Rufus, and Harry’s son Mark. She is survived by her loving husband Harry, her children Shirley, Emmie (Tim), Judy, Fred (Gerri), Ricky, and Harry’s children, Judy, Jill, and Paul. As well as 29 grandchildren, and 39 great grandchildren, and 10 great great grandchildren.
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