Birth date: Dec 15, 1935 Death date: Sep 15, 2024
Jeannine L. Schaffer, 88, of Columbia, IL, passed away on September 15, 2024 at Bria of Columbia, Columbia, IL. She was born December 29, 1935, in rural Millstadt, IL. Jeannine was a retired police dispatcher with the Columbia Po Read Obituary
Prayers for your family.
Such a lovely photo of such a lovely woman. She was my Aunt Jeannine and my Godmother. I don’t recall a childhood holiday or birthday that didn’t include her. We always spent Christmas Day together at Grandma and Grandpa Keck’s house in Waterlou, but Thanksgiving was held at Aunt Jeannine’s house on Bottom Avenue in Columbia. I remember all of the food being prepared in the ovens (Uncle Ray did most of the cooking), and I remember the fine china on the tables. The fun was had either in the basement playing pool, or outside running around in the huge yard. Aunt Jeannine was always so happy to have everyone there.
As an adult I lived in California and kept in touch. I always sent a Christmas card with our family photo, which she prominently displayed in her dinning room. I visited her when I was in town. She loved to talk. She would reminisce about her time working as the Columbia police department dispatcher. Those were some wild stories. Of course, we always talked about her health, and her dog’s health. Her favorite thing to talk about was her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She was up to date on every aspect of their lives.
My strongest childhood memory was a birthday gift that Aunt Jeanine gave me. I was probably around nine. It was a hot pink top and black pants. My mother thought it was a rather odd combination, but I thought it was fantastic!
A few years ago, I mentioned to Aunt Jeannine that I did not have any family heirlooms from my Grandma and Grandpa Keck. She then gave me a beautiful cobalt blue/purple iridescent cut glass candy bowl. It was one of the pieces that they had when they lived on the farm. It is one of my prize possessions, and I am very grateful to have it.
If I ever want to recall my Aunt Jeannine’s voice, all I have to do is remember when one of her kids was in trouble. Her voice would ring throughout the house …. Linda Sue! …. Sandra Jean! …. Kent Ray! … Scott Paul!
Thank you, Aunt Jeannine, for being a part of my life and for helping to turn me into the person that I am today.
Love Sherri
So sorry for your loss...I still remember her as my neighbor.
