Jeanne Colleen Magnuson, 69, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at 1:40 pm Friday, October 9, 2020 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
Jeanne, the daughter of Gerald and Juanita (Berry) Harris, was born March 30, 1951 in Olney, Illinois. She married Howard Magnuson on May 30, 1977 in Tuscola, Illinois.
Jeanne is survived by her husband of 43 years, Howard of Galesburg; her son, Sam (Abbey) Magnuson of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; her brother, Gerald (Mary Jo) Harris of Winnetka, Illinois; and two grandchildren, Mason and Amelia Magnuson. Jeanne is further survived by several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. She is preceded in death by both of her parents.
Jeanne graduated from Edwards County High School, Albion, Illinois in 1969. She went on to attend the University of Illinois Chicago Medical Center, graduating in 1973 with a degree in nursing. Jeanne worked as a registered nurse for several years at various locations including Mass General, Boston, Massachusetts, Carle Clinic, Champaign, Illinois, and the Galesburg Clinic. She also worked as a home health care nurse in Galesburg, Illinois. Jeanne enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, reading, and watching baseball. She had a love for music, which included playing the piano, listening to classical music, singing, and attending the Knox-Galesburg Symphony.
Jeanne attended Bethel Baptist Church and lived her life in accordance with her favorite Bible verse: Joshua 1:9-“Have I not commanded you? Be Strong and Courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, The Lord your God will be with you wherever you Go.” Jeanne was an incredibly courageous and gracious woman, always putting others and family first.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm Sunday, October 25, 2020 at Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Scott Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Galva Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Mayo Foundation For Medical Education and Research, Rochester, Minnesota or the Knox-Galesburg Symphony. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Those wishing to attend the service “virtually” may watch the live broadcast on the funeral home’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Hinchliff-Pearson-West-Funeral-Directors-and-Cremation-Services-160333664037824. Online condolences may be at www.h-p-w.com
