Jeanne Marie McCue

Jeanne Marie McCue, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and devoted humanitarian, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was 88 years old.

Inspired by stories of Florence Nightingale, as a young girl Jeanne always dreamed of becoming a nurse. She graduated from St. Mary's School of Nursing in 1957, and devoted over 50 years to her profession. She truly loved being a nurse!

At her very first job as an OB nurse at St. Mary's Hospital, she helped bring new life into the world and provided comfort to families. While at Milwaukee County Hospital, she led initiatives to improve patient care. At Froedert Hospital, she helped coordinate patient transfers, including Flight for Life. Throughout her career, Jeanne was a cherished colleague, generous mentor, and loyal friend to those she worked alongside.

In 1991, two years after the heartbreaking loss of her son, she embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Bosnia. When war broke out in the Balkans a year later, she felt called to help. What started out as one nurse collecting medical supplies, turned into organizing hundreds of local community groups to make thousands of refugee packs. This led to the founding of "Bosnia Relief" - her nonprofit charity dedicated to helping war refugees by providing medicine, basic care necessities, comfort items (teddy bears) and even goats (given to families to make cheese from the milk). Over the next three decades, she completed 42 mission trips delivering humanitarian aid. In 2016, she and her niece Peg Edquist wrote a book about her travels called "The Transport of Hope: How One Humanitarian Made a Difference in the Balkan Conflict." Her very last trip was in 2017 at the age of 81. Her selfless efforts touched countless lives, providing hope and relief to those affected by conflict.

Jeanne's tireless dedication earned her numerous accolades. In 1996, she was selected as a torchbearer when the Olympic flame traveled through the city of Milwaukee on its way to the summer games in Atlanta.

Jeanne had been a proud member of the Shamrock Club since 1964. She served as membership chair, treasurer, secretary, and parade chairperson. She was involved in Irish dancing, Celtic costume embroidering, and creating floats for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. In 1973 she was honored as the very first "Irish Rose."

Throughout the years, Jeanne enjoyed baking for her friends and family, especially her scrumptious blueberry scones and delicious lemon meringue pies. Every St. Patrick's Day she would bake a dozen loaves of her Bailey's Irish Cream soda bread, wrap them up in green cellophane, and bedazzle with shamrock stickers before gifting.

Most of all, Jeanne loved spending time with her family and friends. Taking her grandchildren shopping at Winkies and "fishing" down the clothes chute. Catching up with the "muffins" over a cup of tea at City Market. Sharing a Friday evening fish fry at Pandl's. Reflecting upon scripture and praying the Rosary with her church groups. Gathering for daily mass at Old Saint Mary, Holy Family and St. Robert's, where the love and light of Jesus nourished her spirit and guided her days.

Jeanne will be forever in our hearts, remembered for her boundless compassion, generous spirit, and deep Catholic faith.

She now dances in the gardens of heaven, reunited with her children Danny and Julie, held close in divine embrace. She is survived by her devoted daughter Kerry.

A funeral mass celebrating Jeanne's life will be held at at Old Saint Mary Church on Thursday August 14 at 10:00 am. Visitation at 9:00-9:45 AM. Please wear blue (her favorite color) or green (for her Irish spirit).

A Special Thank You

Kerry would like to extend her deepest gratitude to the many friends and family who surrounded her Mom with love, comfort, and companionship during her final journey. Your social visits, warm meals, and heartfelt prayers were a source of strength and joy in those final days, and she is forever grateful for your kindness.

Kerry also wishes to thank the Hospice team for their unwavering support. Deep appreciation goes to Allison, whose gentle caregiving and warm companionship were a constant comfort; to Cameron, whose gift of music brought healing and serenity to her spirit; and especially to Nurse Jamie-truly an angel on Earth-whose presence brought peace and tenderness to Mom's final days. Each of you made a profound difference, and our family is forever grateful.