In loving memory of

Jeanne Ems
May 27, 1932 - May 4, 2021

Jeanne Ems
Jeanne Ems, 88, of Naperville, formerly of Canton, entered eternal life on May 4, 2021 at Arbor Terrace Senior Living in Naperville, IL. She was born on May 27,1932 in Waukegan, IL to Leo and Elsie(Mitchell) Mitchell Gossard. Jeanne married Robert "Bob" Ems on June 7, 1952 in Fisher, IL. He survives along with two children, Randy (Amy) and of Yorkville and Lizabeth "Dee" Watson of Canton, MS, brother Roger (Susan) Gossard of CO, sister Lynn(late Kenneth) Blackburn of AZ, five grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three brother; Lyle, Billy and David.
From a very early age, Jeanne showed signs of great courage and faith. Her older brothers Lyle and Billy died at very young ages due to scarlet fever. She supported her mourning mother and helped raise her younger siblings David, Roger and Lynn.
Throughout Jeanne's life she always gave more than she took. She was tremendously active in her church and community her entire life. She was a member of the Altruistic Club, PEO and Methodist Church. She pitched in wherever help was needed be it teaching Sunday School, delivering Meals On Wheels or assisting with the Golden Agers Group at the Canton Park District. She could be a team member or leader whatever the situation needed. She was a past president of the Canton PEO and a state leader in County Health. She was named YMCA Women of the Year in Canton. She was co-chair of the Veteran's Memorial at Lakeland Park.
Jeanne was always a hard worker and bright student but did not have the opportunity to attend college until she was 38. But when the chance came she was ready. Wanting to help put her kids through college and to better herself, she decided to become an RN. And that she did, graduating number 1 in her class at Graham Hospital School of Nursing, later going on to receive her nurse clinician designation at Wichita State and her Master in Nursing from WIU. She worked at Graham Hospital as an RN and Director of the The Fulton County Health Dept for Nursing.
You also would be hard pressed to find another person who was a better spouse, mother and friend. She was kind, caring, strong and faithful not to mention her God given beauty inside and out. She truly left a legacy of what it means to be a good person and lead by example. Her memory lives on through the countless lives she touched.
A celebration of life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton on June 12. Visitation will begin at 10, service at 11 and fellowship to follow.
Memorials can be made to Wesley United Methodist or to the Veteran's Memorial at Lakeland Park.

Tributes

MIKE ZIHAL wrote on May 19, 2021:

"DEAR BOB-- JEANNE AND DOROTHY WILL BE TOGETHER AGAIN. THEY WILL BE WAITING FOR US TO SHOW UP. I UNDERSTAND YOUR GRIEF AND WISH MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES. THEY WERE GREAT FRIENDS MIKE ZIHAL"

Paula Hand wrote on May 15, 2021:

" My dear friend, Bob and your family, I am so sorry to hear of Jeanne's passing. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time. I know she was loved very much and will be missed. May her memory comfort you and may she rest in peace in the arms of our Lord. In love & sympathy, Paula "

Alma & Greg Jones wrote on May 12, 2021:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Randy. "

Cheryl & Ron Bielema wrote on May 11, 2021:

"I knew Jeanne from our mutual activities in the Wesley United Methodist Church. She was caring, insightful and shared her faith journey with so many of us! My sympathy to Bob and to Jeanne's children and grandchildren. Praying for comfort and for peace. "

Gladys May wrote on May 10, 2021:

"She was a very caring and loving person. Sincere sympathy."

Ray and Judy Brown wrote on May 8, 2021:

"Bob and family, our sincere sympathy for the passing of Jean. She was a delightful, caring person. Our thoughts and prayers for you at this time. Judy and Ray Brown."

George Meacham wrote on May 8, 2021:

"Bob it was an honor to know Jean. Her obit really says it all. She was a wonderful person. God Bless you an your family. Love you all."

Janet Edmonds wrote on May 8, 2021:

"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family, May fond memories and God?s loving words carry you through and beyond this difficult time of mourning. Isaiah 57:15"

Cheryl Scott wrote on May 7, 2021:

"So sorry to learn of Jeanne?s passing. Always enjoyed her at our PEO meetings. Thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Cheryl Scott"

Lynn Stephens wrote on May 7, 2021:

"Jeanne was a great PEO sister. I always enjoyed visiting with her at meetings."

Steven White wrote on May 7, 2021:

"Prayers for Bob and the family."