Jeanne Arrol Richie, age 54 of Eau Claire, passed away with her family at her side on Wednesday, May 12, after an eleven month battle with leukemia.
Jeanne was born August 5, 1955 in Janesville to Robert and Joan Cook. She graduated from Janesville Craig High School in 1973 and the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1977.
She met David Richie in 1980 and they married in 1982. They had three children together-Joe (25), Sally (23), and Annie (21).
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Jeanne was a dedicated kindergarten teacher who quietly changed the lives of countless students. She began her career in Altoona and has taught in Eau Claire since 1994. She was committed to her profession and dearly loved her students. In summers she often drove her students to the library as they continued to learn to read. She helped found the Longfellow Puddle Jump, an annual run/walk to fund efforts to support underprivileged children at Longfellow Elementary School. She advocated for kindergarten students and teachers and to improve the quality of early education. In large part because of her efforts, kindergarten attendance will be mandatory statewide beginning this fall. |
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David and Jeanne spent nearly every day of the past twenty-eight years of their lives at each other's side. It was a marriage of infrequent disagreement and unwavering devotion. Their pride and joy is their three children. Jeanne was a selfless mother whose love for her kids knew no limits. They already miss her terribly.
Jeanne was a treasured member of a very large extended family and for many years lived across the street from her in-laws John and Lea Ann Richie. She was an extremely proud aunt to their children Abby, Emma, Claire, Chloe, and Jack.
Jeanne taught Sunday school and was active in the Newman Parish, and she volunteered her time at organizations such as the YMCA, Community Table, and the Feed My People Food Bank. Her absence will be felt in the community.
Jeanne is survived by her husband and children; her mother, Joan; brother, Todd Cook; sister, Ann Kumm; the Craft Gals; many relatives, and scores of friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Robert and her niece, Chloe. Jeanne wasn't blessed with a long life but she packed a lot of life into her fifty-four years.
Visitation will be from 4-7:30 pm on Friday, May 14, at Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Chapel, 3209 Rudolph Rd, Eau Claire. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am on Saturday, May 15, at the Newman Parish in the Ecumenical Religious Center, 110 Garfield Ave, Eau Claire with Father George Szews officiating. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Eau Claire, WI.
Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Friends may offer online condolences at
www.fullerspeckienhulke.com.
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