Jeanne Jay

SERVICES : A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home Chapel in Park Rapids, MN.SURVIVORS : Her 2 daughters: Kate Murphy and Kristie Jay; her son, Jim (Terry); 9 grandchildren: Shawn, Chris, Mike, Randy, Lacy, Angel, Danny, Lindsay and Andi and 17 great grandchildren. JEANNE MARILYN JAYNovember 5, 1930 ~ May 16, 2012 Jeanne Marilyn Jay, age 81 of Park Rapids, MN passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at St. Joseph"s Hospital in Park Rapids, MN. Jeanne was born on November 5, 1930 in Breckenridge, MN to James and Ruth (Paige) Thompson. It was in this same area that Jeanne began her public schooling and grew through her childhood years. As a teenager she moved with her family to Staples, MN. She graduated from the Staples High School with the Class of 1948. As a young woman, she worked at the Schalman"s Music Store in Staples. She had a profound love for music and began her singing career while just a young girl by singing at her minister father"s church services. Later she played piano and sang at the River"s Inn in Aldrich professionally. In fact, her talents were recognized by others to the point she was asked to go on tour with Peggy Lee. On November 7, 1951, Jeanne was united in marriage to Donald Eugene Jay in Staples. This union was blessed with 2 daughters: Kate and Kristie and 1 son, Jim. Three days after their wedding, Don shipped out for Korea where he proudly served his country until the war ended. During his service he was awarded the Bronze Star and other medals. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, the couple settled in the Verndale/Wadena area. In 1962 the Jay family moved to Park Rapids, MN. Jeanne dedicated herself to making a warm and loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious beef pot roasts, gravy and turkey dinners. She was legendary for making holidays a special family time. For many years she worked as a medical receptionist at the Park Rapids Clinic. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed playing bridge. She maintained her love for music her entire life. Above all, Jeanne devoted her entire life to her children and grandchildren who she loved with all her heart. Jeanne will be lovingly remembered by her 2 daughters: Kate Murphy and Kristie Jay; her son, Jim (Terry); 9 grandchildren: Shawn, Chris, Mike, Randy, Lacy, Angel, Danny, Lindsay and Andi; 17 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald and her sister, Patty. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home Chapel in Park Rapids, MN with Pastor Bill Hodge officiating. April Hodge will be the organist and sing "How Great Thou Art". The Congregational Hymn will be "The Old Rugged Cross". Special Recorded Music will be: "You Raise Me Up" and "Over the Rainbow".