Jeanne A. Berendsen

Jeanne A. Berendsen (nee Stein), age 90, of Waukegan, IL passed away peacefully at home on October 17, 2022. Born on May 21, 1932 in Madison WI, to Russeline Stein. On November 26, 1953 she married Arnold J. Berendsen, and the two were happily married for 65 years prior to Arnie's passing in 2019. They raised five children. Jeanne's passions in life were her family and faith, and she was incredibly generous with her time in both. She was a dedicated mom who volunteered as room mother for several of her children's classes at Immaculate Conception Grade School in Waukegan. She taught CCD to children as well as RCIA to adults in the parish and was an active member of the Altar & Rosary Society. She worked as an office manager for Dr. John Freeland for over 30 years. Jeanne loved to entertain and had an all-inclusive, open door policy for guests who would otherwise spend the holidays alone. Among her specialties were spinach lasagna, Italian sausage bombers, grasshopper pie, and of course peppernuts. Among her children, the quest to recreate her art of the perfect peppernut continues to this day. Jeanne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Arnold J. Berendsen. She is survived by her sister Barbara (Edward) Hovsepian, her five children, Ann (Craig) Gagnon, Chris Berendsen, Kurt (Robyn) Berendsen, Peggy (Steve) Scuglik, and Mark (Kristin) Berendsen. Grandchildren: Christopher Slavik, Stephanie (Dylan) Lauger, Brian Gagnon, David (Courtney) Gagnon, Benjamin (Eve) Peterson, Amy Peterson, Emma (Sean) Hegarty, Gabriel (Patricia) Scuglik, and Sylvie Berendsen. Great-Grandchildren: Audrey, Lonnie, Zelie, Eilis, Miles, Keaton, and Ellison and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. The family expresses our deepest gratitude to Ella and Peter who provided love, care, and comfort to Jeanne in her final years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association. Visitation will be from 10-11am on Tuesday, October 25 followed by Mass 11am at Immaculate Conception Church, 508 Grand Ave., Waukegan, IL. Interment will be at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. Arrangements are under the direction of Peterson & Patch Funeral Home Waukegan, Illinois. Please sign our online guestbook at www.waukeganfunerals.com.