Jeanne Toomer, 72

Jeanne Toomer, 72, prior to her departure, Jeanne’s devoted husband, John, brought her back to her “special place ” in Zimmerman to be with her family, friends, and near her garden.

Joe, her beloved son, filled their home with flowers. Jenny, her devoted daughter, made several trips from California to be with her Mother and assist in the plans. She referred to her departure as her “home going.”

On December 23, 2012, after a valiant battle against a terminal illness, Jeanne entered the gates of heaven.

Jeanne, was born in Forrest City, Iowa, on Feb. 9, 1940. Her family lovingly called her Rowene. She was one of eight children, and lived on a hardworking, family farm.

After high school, Jeanne confidently put herself through nursing training, at Iowa Lutheran College. This past year she reached a milestone, having been a registered nurse for 50 years. For the past 20 years she has been a nurse for Fairview Home Care and Hospice. She was a mentor to newly hired staff. She became their “coach.” This was a position she dearly loved. She was loved and admired by the team to the point they were not willing to let her retire. Her own hospice care was provided by the very people she oriented over her career with Fairview. Jeanne was considered by many to be “extended family.” Their treatment for her and for her family, was excellent.

Jeanne’s career was unique. In Minneapolis she started as a pediatric nurse and later a surgical nurse. In 1964 she became a Peace Corps volunteer, where she met her husband, John, in their training in Seattle. After two months of Outward Bound training in Puerto Rico, they were assigned to Bolivia for the next two years. After Bolivia, Jeanne and John spent two years on the Arctic coast in Alaska. Jeanne was the prenatal nurse for Eskimo women from 53 villages. She delivered two babies! After Alaska, they moved to northern Maine, raised their family and Jeanne started her home care nursing career. After 20+ years of living in Maine, Jeanne and John and their son moved to Minnesota. Jeanne worked for Princeton Home Care until she became a patient at the University hospital. Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park became the family’s home church.

There will be a Memorial Service for Jeanne, her family and friends in April. The date is to be announced later.

Jeanne is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, her caring daughter, Jenny in California, and her devoted son Joe in Zimmerman. She is also survived by her sisters: Bonna Krafts (Ivars), Judy Thompson (Robert), Norma Webb, and Twyla Wentworth.

Jeanne has been preceded by her parents Reuben and Thona Anderson, her sister Helen, and her brothers: Richard and Howard.

from: http://erstarnews.com/2013/02/05/jeanne-toomer-72/