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MARQUETTE, MI – Jean M. Gannon, 91, of Marquette, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, under the compassionate care of the staff at Brookridge Heights Memory Care.
Jean was born on July 9, 1935, to Richard and Olive (LaVictoire) Lovely. She graduated from Grayling High School in Grayling, MI, and continued her education at Nazareth College Division of Nursing in 1953. She completed her nursing training at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI and St. Joseph Hospital in Flint, MI.
In 1956, Jean married William Gannon and made Marquette her home. She began her nursing career at St. Mary’s Hospital before embracing an even busier role as a mother, welcoming seven children in just nine years. In 1971, Jean began working as a school nurse for Marquette Area Public Schools, where she dedicated 30 years of service before retiring in 2001. During her career, she helped establish the Family Life Advisory Committee and played a role in developing the U.P. Health Educators Conference.
Jean had a beautiful love of music and singing, which remained an important part of her life. She was a longtime member of the Marquette Choral Society, singing with the group for more than 40 years. She was also part of a group of singers who trained and traveled abroad, performing in Italy, Ireland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Spain. Closer to home, she shared her voice as a member of the St. Michael’s Choir and through various church ministries.
Jean’s dream in life was to become a nurse, a wife, and a mother. With faith and God’s guidance, she was blessed to fulfill all three, leaving behind a legacy of caring for others, devotion to family, and a love of music.
Jean is survived by her brother, Robert (Pam) Lovely of Surprise, AZ; her children, Lisa Gannon of Meredith, CO, Toby (Amber) Gannon of Longwood, FL, Emily Gannon of Minneapolis, MN, Pat (Mary) Gannon of Eagan, MN, and Dan (Mary) Gannon of Marquette; along with many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Olive Lovely; her husband, William Gannon; and two sons, Timothy and Michael Gannon.
Jean's family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at St. Michael Church beginning at 11 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1 p.m. in the church with Rev. Emmanuel Barwuah officiating. A nurse’s ceremony will be provided by the U.P. Nurses Honor Guard. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass in the church reception hall. Interment will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Grayling.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Jean’s name to St. Michael Catholic Church Altar Society, 401 W. Kaye Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 or Bay Cliff Health Camp, PO Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.
Fassbender Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Jean's family where memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com