Surrounded by the family she dearly loved, Jeanne Marie Hogan peacefully left this earth on Sunday, April 15, 2018. Her life began on October 15, 1923 in New York City, NY. One of three children born to Edna R. Grogan and Frank M. Grogan, Jeanne attended St Fredrick’s Catholic Grade School and High School in Pontiac Michigan. As a young woman, she worked for General Motors as a Secretary during WWII. While in NYC on vacation, Jeanne found herself in line for a Benny Goodman performance when she dropped her purse, spilling the contents on the sidewalk. A young man eagerly offered to help her. That man was Thomas Francis Hogan. This fortuitous meeting led to a wartime correspondence and, upon Tom’s return from the war, they married September 7, 1946 at St Vincent de Paul Church, Pontiac, MI.
Jeanne and Tom raised six children together. She not only ran her household of eight with loving care, but also assisted Tom in his business as a secretary. She returned to outside employment when the children were older, working as an executive secretary to the Vice President of Midwest Research Institute until she retired at the age of 60. As an excellent typist and shorthand taker, she said she was happy to retire before the advent of computers. Ironically, she later owned a personal computer and became quite proficient.
Jeanne was a member of Visitation Catholic Church for over 50 years. She was a very well-read woman. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, playing cards with her card group, and supporting the Royals. One of Jeanne’s biggest passions was knitting. Her work was beautiful. She knitted many things, notably the tiny clothes for her granddaughters’ Barbie dolls. She lovingly passed this skill on to daughters, daughters-in-law and granddaughters.
Tom and Jeanne were married for 53 years until his death in May of 1999. As a widow, Jeanne was independent. In the years that followed, Jeanne had a second special man in her life. She met Casey Cox while on a cruise in 2001. They supported each other for many years through the difficult changes of aging until his death.
Jeanne’s contributions were many during her days on this earth, but perhaps the biggest one would be the love she shared with everyone. A sweet, gentle, graceful woman, she loved her family. She readily welcomed every son- and daughter-in-law as one of her own. When grandchildren began to arrive, she loved each one as if it was the first. Along with Tom, and after his passing, she hosted “sleep overs” for grandkids. The grandkids would go in groups of two or three and spend the weekend with Grammy and Poppy. They would go to a movie or museum. Jeanne also used this opportunity to share another of her interests with them – stamp collecting. These times with Grammy are recalled often by her twelve grandchildren with a smile and a tug at the heart.
In Jeanne’s later years, Alzheimer’s disease stole her memories but not her caring ways, sweet disposition, and kind manner. Both at Brookdale Wornall Place and Kingswood Senior Living Community, she was often described as a staff favorite. She lived with declining health by exhibiting grace, strength and independence. Her faith, family and optimism carried her through her life and inspired all who knew her. She has taught us how to age and deal with the ravages of memory loss with courage and optimism. She always would say “What cannot be changed must be accepted.” In the end, as the family sat with her, we quietly waited. . .perhaps for her to impart more of her wisdom. But in the end, there was only evidence of a life beautifully and gracefully lived with unending faith and courage. And that is the lesson she leaves for us all.
Jeanne will be missed beyond words by her children and their spouses: Kathleen and Robert Hughes, Thomas and Vallie Hogan, Patrick and Jane Hogan, Nancy and Timothy Dalbey, Kevin Hogan and Carla Bascom, and James and Mary Kay Hogan. She is survived by fourteen grandchildren: Sarah and Sean Hughes; Katie, Suzanne, and Jessica Hogan; Daniel and Michael Hogan; Amy and her husband Ryan Koci, David and his wife Katie Dalbey, Andrew and his wife Chelsea Dalbey; Tom and his wife Laura Hogan, and Erin Hogan; Brooke Bascom and Welles Chapman, and Heather Bascom and Wade Schneider. She also leaves seven great-grandchildren.
The family wished to thank the caring staff at Brookdale Wornall Place and especially Rita and Lisa for their loving attention. We also thank all the nurses and staff at Kingswood Long Term Care Unit and especially Della and Mary for their loving attention. Special thanks to Sister Cathy Smith who provided companionship and spiritual care for many years. Although the family only had the pleasure of working with Serenity Care Hospice of Harrisonville, Mo for a short time, their staff made the end of life a beautiful experience.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18 at Visitation Catholic Church, 5141 Main St. Kansas City, MO, with visitation an hour prior. Interment will follow Mass in Forest Hill/Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the CSJ Ministries, 1919 E. 58th St. KCMO 64130 and Friends of Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 E. Gregory Blvd., KCMO 64132. Condolences may be offered at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com. Arrangements through McGilley Midtown Chapel, 816-753-6200.
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