Jean Frances Henjum

Jean Frances Henjum, 77, of St. Paul, passed away on 12/23/2025 from complications following surgery for a broken hip.

Jean was born on July 22, 1948, to Ione (Kane) Henjum and Andrew Henjum in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After living in several towns in Minnesota and North Dakota, Jean graduated from Bird Island High School in 1966. She then moved to St. Paul and received her BA from Macalester College in 1970-a place that would shape both her career and her lifelong community.

In 1971, Jean and several close friends moved into Holly House, an intentional living community largely made up of Macalester graduates. Life at Holly House was rooted in shared values with rotating responsibilities for cooking and cleaning and regular meetings that fostered connection and understanding. It was there, in the spring of 1972, that Jean met Gerry Flannery, who later joined the household. During their time at Holly House, Jean and Gerry welcomed two children, Johanna (Josie) Henjum and Jamey Flannery.

Jean and Gerry went on to live for many years in an extended community setting on Eichenwald alongside many Holly House friends. In 2022, they moved to 284 Spring Street, where they quickly formed new friendships and once again became deeply woven into the life of their community.

Jean completed her master's degree and Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Minnesota. She retired from health services in 2000 after a meaningful career working at Macalester College and the University of Minnesota's Family Practice residency programs and clinics. From 2000 to 2015, Jean served as an officer at Flannery Construction where she and Gerry worked side by side.

In retirement Jean was a devoted mother and grandmother to Georgia and Calvin Pettygrove. She was also mother to many four-legged furry friends over the years. An avid reader, Jean delighted in psychological theory and mystery novels alike. She thoroughly appreciated Gerry's excellent cooking and discerning taste in wine, and together they traveled the world. In more recent years, Jean enjoyed playing 500 with her Spring Street neighbors who fondly remember her "sparkling (sneaky) competitive game smile."

Jean was known for her quick wit and contagious sense of humor. She was a leader and a listener, a voice of reason and a trusted counselor to many. She was a mentor, cheerleader, party planner, community organizer, accountability coach, and writer. She was values-driven, hilarious, irreverent, deeply loving and fiercely devoted to the people in her life. Above all, she was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Jean was predeceased in death by parents Ione (Kane) Henjum and Andrew Henjum. She is survived by her husband, Gerry Flannery; her children, Josie Henjum and Jamey Flannery (Drew Palmer); her beloved grandchildren Georgia and Calvin Pettygrove; siblings Joan Henjum (Chris Marsh), John Henjum, and Janet (David) Feig; and her beloved pup, Frances.

Services will be held at Unity Church, 733 Portland Ave, St. Paul on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 3:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Humane Society.

She will be remembered by many, always, with love.