Jean Elaine Pope

Obituary

It is with a saddened heart that we are announcing the death of Jean Elaine Pope. After an extended hospital stay and entering Hospice Care on April 15th (Good Friday), she passed away peacefully on April 17th, 2022 (Easter Sunday), with her children at her bedside.

She is survived by children Barry (Kim) Pope, Darin (Karen) Pope and Licia (Jarred) Baker; grandchildren: Brittany, William, Devin, Reese, Zachary, Tegan, Hanna, and Great-grandson Ripken. She was preceded in death by husband (William (Pete), siblings: June, Ralph, Janice, and her parents: Emma and Walter.

Jean was born in Akron, OH on September 30,1932. She spent her childhood being raised in Detroit Mi. She graduated from Mercy College with a BS degree in Natural Science (1954). She was an elementary school teacher in Royal Oak Michigan. She married her husband Bill “Pete” on May 4, 1957. They had three children before relocating to Palatine IL in 1969.

In Palatine, Jean focused on family, initially taking a hiatus from teaching elementary school. Years later, once all her children were in school, she re-entered the workplace as a Teaching Assistant at Central Road Elementary School, Rolling Meadows IL. Here she made many lifelong friends both with faculty and students, keeping in touch throughout the year, even post her retirement. Jean often shared fond and happy memories of both the friends she made and students she assisted.

Jean’s true calling came to be – teaching 2nd grade religious education. She prepared 2 generations of young children to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion and introduction to Jesus’ teachings. She taught from 1969 to 2020. Her dedication to her religion and teaching was steadfast.

She was an avid pinocle and bunco card player. She enjoyed going to craft fairs and resale shops. Jean enjoyed couples bowling with her husband and occasionally going line dancing.

Jean adored her four-legged companions throughout the years as they gave her unconditional love and friendship.

When Jean was asked, “What are the most important thing in your life?” her response was short and simple:

1) Love of Family

2) Love of all her friends

3) Love for fury four legged companions

4) Love for her faith

5) Love of teaching

May Jean, once again, enjoy the love and being in the presence of God, her husband, family members and friends in the paradise of heaven.

A Celebration of Life mass will be held on June 25, 2022, at 10 a.m. in St Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church, Palatine IL., her family will be greeting friends from 9:00a.m. until time of mass. Final interment will take place at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jean’s honor should be to Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. 

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We are deeply sorry for your loss - the staff at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home

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