Jeanne M. Stine

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Jeanne M. Stine, age 96, who departed this life surrounded by the love that defined her remarkable journey.

Born in Detroit to William Lyle and Eleanor Laura (Abele) Goodwin, Jeanne was the eldest of 11 children. Throughout her life, she exemplified the values of hard work, unwavering faith, and selfless service to others, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

A firm believer that longevity comes from "Staying busy doing things you love," Jeanne remained vibrantly active well into her nineties. Even in her final years, she could be found driving fellow seniors to church services and dedicating her time to assisting adults with special needs.

Jeanne's professional life showcased her diverse talents and deep commitment to serving others. She began her career as a telephone operator at Michigan Bell before discovering her true calling in education. For 33 distinguished years, she served the Clawson Public Schools community as both teacher and counselor, touching countless young lives with her wisdom and compassion.

Her dedication to public service reached its pinnacle through an extraordinary 30-year tenure with the City of Troy. She was one of the first women elected to Troy City Council in 1976, where she served for 16 years. She made history as Troy's first female Mayor, serving 1992 to 2001, before being re-elected to city council in 2003. Her leadership and vision helped shape the community she loved so deeply.

Jeanne's community involvement extended far beyond elected office. She volunteered with numerous local organizations, including the Troy Community Coalition, Boys and Girls Club of Troy, Troy Rotary Club, Troy Historical Society, Troy Firefighters Women's Auxillary, and Clawson/Troy Elks. In the 1970's, she founded Troy Youth Services pioneering support for young people before social workers and youth assistance programs existed in schools. One of her proudest accomplishments was establishing a youth bureau within the Troy Police Department.

In recognition of her extraordinary volunteer work, Jeanne was named Troy's Distinguished Citizen in 1985. In 2021, a park was named in her honor, serving as a lasting tribute to her dedication and leadership.

Beyond her professional achievements, Jeanne treasured time spent with her beloved family and her cherished German Shepherds. She found joy in traveling and especially loved retreating to her cottage in Cheboygan. One of her most treasured traditions was participating in the annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk alongside her sisters, a celebration of both the beauty of Michigan and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack, her cherished daughter Sheila, and her siblings William Goodwin, Charles Goodwin, Mary Kane, and Michael Goodwin. Her legacy lives on through her devoted grandchildren Robert Parker (Katie), Bryan White (Allison), Dominic Bulone, and Meghean Stock, and her six great-grandchildren Ashley, Caitlyn, Hailey, Hunter, Isabella, and Nicholas. She is also survived by her sisters Rita Barras, Celia Rasico, Monica Hein (Richard), Anne Boyle, Loretta Pletcher, and Patricia Goodwin.

Jeanne's love toward others, empathy, and indomitable spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her and all whose lives she touched. She will be dearly missed.

Family will receive friends Friday, November 7, 2 – 8 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons, 2600 Crooks (btw Maple & Big Beaver), Troy, 248-362-2500. Funeral Mass Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m. at Christ, Our Light! Catholic Church, 3077 Glouchester Dr., Troy. Visitation at church begins at 9:30a.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial tributes to Jeanne M. Stine Family Park Fund (https://troycf.org/donate/jeanne-m-stine-family-parks-fund) or Plant a Tree