Ann Marie Jeanette

Ann Marie (Spencer) Jeanette, age 82, of Delano, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Ann was born on May 23, 1943, in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, to Harold and Gladys (Halberg) Spencer. Her family later moved to Anoka, where she grew up and graduated with the Anoka High School Class of 1961. As a young woman, Ann competed in pageants and was raised to value grace, etiquette, and kindness-qualities that became a defining part of who she was and that she lovingly passed on to her children and grandchildren.

In 1962, Ann married Robert Clark Hayford, and together they raised two daughters, Terrie and Mikki. She dedicated herself to raising her children while also working as a bookkeeper for their business, National Installers.

In 1984, Ann married Ronald Jeanette, and with that union, she joyfully welcomed his children as her bonus family. Due to Ron's military service, they travelled frequently, and eventually settled into a beautiful lake home in Rush City. That home became a gathering place for family and friends-filled with many memorable days of swimming, boating, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors together.

She took immense pride in her flower and vegetable gardens, tending to them with love and care, and she was known for her canning and home cooking. Her baking-especially her chocolate chip cookies-was a favorite among her grandchildren.

She and Ron shared many adventures, whether working side by side at Plants and Things in Elk River or traveling to Las Vegas to test their luck at the casinos. Ann's greatest joy, however, was her family. She cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Christmas was Ann's favorite time of year. Her love for the holiday went far beyond the decorations-it was a season she poured her heart into. Her home became a winter wonderland, with a Christmas tree in nearly every room, each one carefully decorated with its own theme and colors. Ann loved to make every detail special.

She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her generous heart, and her love for her family. She embodied grace, kindness, and quiet strength-a true example of beauty both inside and out.

We are especially grateful for the kind and loving care given to Ann by the entire staff at the Legacy of Delano. Their compassion and warmth brought her joy and made her final years comfortable and peaceful.

Preceded in death by husband Ronald Jeanette; parents, Harold and Gladys Spencer; and sister, Ruthyne Jones.

Ann is survived by daughters, Terrie (Ross) Green and Mikki (Tom) O'Grady; grandchildren, Ashley Green, Josh Green, and Ashley (Ed Daub) O'Grady; brother, Jerry (Barb) Spencer; along with many nieces and nephews and her special bonus family of Ronald Jeanette's children and their families.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM with brief prayer service and memory sharing at 4:00 PM at The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael – Albertville, 300 Main Street North, St. Michael, MN. She will join her husband at the Calvary Cemetery in Duluth, MN in the spring.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com