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Jeanne M. Greenwood, age 87, of Freedom, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 26, 2020. She was born in Freedom on September 23, 1932, daughter of the late Herman and Marie (Murphy) Coffey.
Jeanne married the love of her life, Tom Greenwood on February 3, 1951, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Freedom, after being set up on a blind date. Next week would have been their 69th wedding anniversary. After Tom’s passing this past November, Jeanne wanted nothing more than to spend their anniversary together.
Jeanne was very proud of her education and her graduation from St. Mary Springs High School, an all-girl school. She started singing in the St. Nicholas Choir in the 5th grade and this started her life-long love of music. After she met Tom, he would play the organ and Jeanne would sing. Together they would spend the next 62+ years in the St. Nicholas choirs including leading the funeral choir for over 25 years.
Jeanne raised her 8 children and then went to work. She began her professional career as a medical assistant for Dr. Slette and then became a realtor with Bytof Realty. She retired with Tom and they spent many years wintering in Winter Haven, Florida. In retirement, she volunteered countless hours at Appleton Medical Center in the surgical waiting room, the Appleton Performing Arts Center, many charity golf outings, and at St. Nicholas Catholic Church. In fact, Jeanne initiated and led the implementation of school uniforms at St. Nicholas. She was also very proud of her work with the Freedom Historical Society and the Christian Mothers. She was past presidents of both.
In her free time, she loved to play bridge. She even achieved the status of Life Master. But her biggest joy was her family. She was proud of the size of her group and loved each and every one of them.
Jeanne is survived by her 8 children: T. John (Nanette) Greenwood, Jim (Donna) Greenwood, Dan (Kathlien) Greenwood, Jeananne Greenwood, Bill (Julie) Greenwood, Julie (Al) Rooyakkers, Joanne (Pat) Paluch and Joe (Karla) Greenwood; 25 grandchildren: Erin, Jason, Nick, Ann, Jamie, Gina, Ashley, Jeremy, Anna, Toni, Bill, Evan, Jessie, Jon, Jenny, Adam, Abbi, Sarah, Stacy, Sally, Sandy, Josh, Brian, Kasey and Justin; 43 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; a brother, Pat (Carla) Coffey; brothers and sisters-in-law: Patsy Vanderloop, Peggy Vanevenhoven, Lawrence Greenwood and Jean Maeder; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom Greenwood; an infant daughter, Mary Pat Greenwood; granddaughter, Katie Greenwood; great grandson, Linus Warpinski; parents: Herman and Marie Coffey; Tom’s parents: George R. and Helen Greenwood; Tom’s siblings and in-laws: George R. (Kathleen) Greenwood, Robert Greenwood, Leon Vanderloop and Tom Vanevenhoven.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home FREEDOM LOCATION, N3972 Columbia Ave., from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a vigil service concluding the evening. Visitation will continue on Thursday morning at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, W2037 County Road S, Freedom, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 12:00 noon. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.
The Greenwood family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jack Anderson for the many years of wonderful care given to Jeanne. Also to the entire staff at Primrose for the compassionate care given to Tom and Jeanne during their stay there.
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