Jeanne Marie Premo

Jeanne Marie (Ryan) Premo, 88, passed away on January 23rd, in Gold Canyon, Arizona.

Born May 1, 1932, in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Mildred (Hamlin) Ryan. In addition to her parents, Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, David W. Premo; sister, Ruth Dudewicz; grandson, David James Premo; and daughter-in- law, Jodi Premo.

She is survived by her children: David (Joanne), Theresa (Gary), Raymond, Thomas (Dawn), Daniel, and Patrick (Cathy); 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Lou Stuart (Henry); and brother, Martin Ryan (Nancy).

Jeanne was raised on Long Island, New York before moving to Saginaw, Michigan as a young girl. She attended Arthur Hill High School. She married the love of her life, David W. Premo, in 1951. Jeanne and her husband became snow birds and split their golden years of retirement between Leesburg, Florida in the winter and “up north” on Lake Leelanau in the summer.

In Jeanne’s early years she worked for the phone company, Michigan Bell, and in real estate with Louis Rapin. Mainly, Jeanne devoted her life to raising and caring for her family.

Jeanne was full of life and light. She had a big smile and a big heart to go along with it. She was quick with a hug and had a warm, hearty laugh. She told the best stories and could get you rolling right along with her at the vigor with which she told it. She made friends easily wherever she went. She was thoughtful and kind but not too shy to tell you exactly what she thought.

Jeanne enjoyed drinking her favorite wine and chatting during “happy hour” each afternoon. Through the years she had many hobbies: Swedish weaving, bowling, playing cards, water aerobics, volunteering at church, tending to flowers, and painting ceramics, but what she loved most was to kick off her shoes and dance. She was also an avid reader and went through multiple books per week. If anyone ever needed to borrow a book or find a good recommendation, she could provide it.

Even while battling Alzheimer’s disease and cancer, she never lost her spunk or sense of humor. Not one to complain, she met the trials and tribulations with strength and grace.

She loved, was loved, and will be dearly missed.

Jeanne’s friends and family look forward to a memorial service later this year in Michigan when we can all be safely together to celebrate her life and share our special memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jeanne’s memory to one of her favorite charities: Boys Town at www.boystown.org or The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at www.aspca.org.