Jeanne M. Troutman

Jeanne Melisse Troutman (née MacPherson) was born and raised in Iron River, Michigan, to David and Virginia MacPherson. David was an engineer who owned a business repairing engines for machines used in the mining industry in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Virginia was raised in Florida and worked as a secretary, and served in the Waves, before becoming a homemaker after she married. Jeanne is survived by an older sister, Carol, and a younger brother, John. They all grew up in a home at the top of Strawberry Hill in Iron River. Home life and childhood in their small town was simple and sweet. Winters were very long with lots of snow, so Jeanne would participate in winter sports and activities like ice skating and snowmobiling. Beloved paternal grandparents lived just down the street, so Jeanne spent a lot of time with them and had many happy memories with them while growing up.
Jeanne was always a very good student, and participated in clubs and activities such as Girl Scouts, Daughters of Job, and the National Honor Society. She also played the piano, a talent she maintained and shared all her life. Jeanne graduated from high school as salutatorian of her class. She was also an active church member of the local Christian Science church from an early age, and she and her sister, Carol, often played the piano for services. Jeanne attended Principia college and earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education. During her time at Principia she traveled abroad to England on a study abroad program. She student-taught at a school in the St. Louis area before graduating.
After graduating from college, Jeanne taught elementary school for a few years in Wisconsin and enjoyed teaching, as she always loved young children. After those few years, Jeanne felt led to make a career change and begin instruction in Christian Science nursing. She moved to New Jersey to complete Christian Science nurses' training at Tenacre Nursing Foundation. Jeanne completed all four levels at Tenacre and began her career of 40+ years as a Christian Science nurse. By that time, she had married Martin Troutman (their wedding was in Iron River, MI) and they decided to settle in Lansing, MI. Not long after moving to Lansing, they welcomed their daughter, Rachel. Jeanne's mom, Virginia, and sister, Carol, had moved to Lansing shortly before Rachel's birth. Jeanne and Marty welcomed their son, Paul, three years later and then moved to East Lansing where they bought their first home near the elementary school the children attended. Years raising children were busy but joyful, as Jeanne balanced her growing CS nursing career and motherhood. Jeanne and Marty were both very devoted and involved parents, as they supported Rachel's and Paul's interests in music and sports and spent many years as den leaders for Paul's Cub Scout groups.
Some years after Rachel and Paul graduated from high school, Jeanne and Marty sold their home and moved to the east side of Lansing, to a little community called "Cottage Lane". There Jeanne and Marty were very supportive neighbors to all, visiting with neighbors and making lots of food and baked goods for them. Their landlord, Dave Muylle (who built Cottage Lane), and his family were very supportive of them as well. The neighbors there became like another family to them. It was a wonderful way for Jeanne to spread her love and ministry in an even wider way, and everyone who knew her there appreciated her love and care. In all those years and different chapters in adulthood, Jeanne was a strong and steady member of her local branch church in addition to working as a tireless CS nurse. Many people, especially since her passing, have referred to Jeanne as similar to a pioneer/early worker in the Christian Science movement. Everyone who knew her recognized and was blessed by her selfless devotion, especially to the Cause of Christian Science through her church work and nursing work. She was cheerfully willing to take calls at any time of the day, any day of the year, and would even quickly leave to drive to a case across the state in the middle of the night. Jeanne provided practical care and loving support to patients, working in partnership with many different practitioners on cases.
Jeanne was equally devoted as a wife and mother. Her family is blessed by all her wonderful qualities and her love, but one quality that really stands out is her perseverance in supporting her loved ones. Jeanne never gave up on us, no matter how great the struggles we were facing either individually or as a family. We are all better and stronger for her constant prayers and endless love. She truly lived this quote: "A mother's affection cannot be weaned from her child, because the mother-love includes purity and constancy, both of which are immortal. Therefore maternal affection lives on under whatever difficulties." (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 60:8)
All in all, Jeanne's life here has been a shining example of unselfed love, dedication, courage, and willingness (to do whatever it takes). Her family, friends, fellow church members, patients, neighbors – all who knew her – are left better for her example and especially for her love.