Jean Ellen Courville

Jean was the daughter of Fern and Emmit Courville and was born and raised in Bay City, Michigan. On April 12, 1983, Jean married the love of her life, Paul Sato. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and devotion. To Paul, Jean was not only a wife, but the best partner and greatest blessing in his life.

Jean dedicated her professional life to nursing, serving faithfully at St. Lawrence Hospital and then at Hospice of Lansing, which was her true calling, until her retirement. Her compassion, intelligence, and unwavering dedication defined her work. She continued caring for others as long as she possibly could, working until she was physically unable to do so. Nursing reflected who she was at her core: selfless, perceptive, loving, and deeply committed to caring for others.

Forming lifelong friendships and relationships that spanned decades came easy to Jean, reflecting her loyalty, understanding, and genuine care for the people in her life. Those who knew Jean knew her as someone extraordinarily intelligent, deeply loving, and truly one of the best people you could ever meet. If her life could be summed up in a few words, they would be love, selfless, and simply the best.

Jean is survived by her devoted husband, Paul; her sister-in-law, Debbie Courville; her nieces, Kristin Courville and Deanna; and her nephews, Steve and Jeff. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Courville, who passed away on April 3, 2023.

Jean’s life was a reflection of love in action through her marriage, her friendships, and her many years of compassionate service. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those fortunate enough to have known her.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI, 48823. A Nurse Honor Guard Ceremony for Jean will take place at 7:30 PM at the funeral home, concluding the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Jean may be to Hospice of Lansing, 3411 Stoneleigh Dr., Lansing, MI 48910, https://hospiceoflansing.org/giving/