Jean Shinske

June 13th, 1916 - January 12th, 2012

Jean's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Jean here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Mary, Kevin, Annie, David, Tom, Laura and families: What wonderful memories we have of your beautiful Mother and Grandmother! So many memories from South Haven Country Club and St. Basil Church: When Barry & I were set up at the couple's golf league, your Mom and Dad were there to greet us with open arms, even if we dropped the average age of the couples to 60(we were in our twentys). Your Mom was very competitive in Thursday women's golf and her beautiful slow swing was a joy to watch as the ball would just go....! I'll never forget when I first started cantoring at church and I had to do it once with no preparation. I sang a responsorial song I had never sang and I really goofed it up. I heard from someone else that your mom had said "my friend is having a little trouble up there"! I appreciated the empathy but more than anything that Mrs Shinske considered me her friend meant the world to me! I have been blessed the last year to have been able to visit with Jean at Countryside since she was roommates with my Godmother. She was always so pleasant, kind, and happy in whatever life presented to her. We'd talk about our boys, her grandkids, great grandkids and just how good life had been. What a joy to know that your parents are again together and sharing in eternal life. May God's peace and love be with you in the coming days! God bless you all, Diane Skuza

Diane & Barry Skuza

What a woman. What a legacy. What an inspiration. I'm so sorry for your very big loss! But like everything she did, she ended her life well, too: peacefully, with dignity and in her own way. She completed everything she wanted to do.

Last year I asked her if there was anything she had left to do. Not tolerating euphemisms, she said "You mean before I die?" :)
She said that she still wanted to write her own obituary. That was all.

What a woman. What a legacy. What an inspiration.

I will see everyone on Wednesday, the 18th.

Laura MacKimmie

Mary, Ann, Tom, we are sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. I will always remember your Mom as a special and close friend to both my parents and a wonderful leader in church and civic events while we were growing up. I remember her radiant smile and her ability at using the English language at certain times in a way that would make a truck driver cry while all the while never breaking that smile.The world has loss a special person and we all are a bit sadder today because of it.

David Hamlin

Tom,

Sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I have so many memories of your family at McKimmies. Just the other day I noticed that the guy next to me had on Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers. I remarked that in high school we used to have two choices in sneakers. Ken, Tom's dad, brought the sneakers to L.C. Mohr. We could choose the size and either high top or low top. That's it! I will always have fond memories of your mom and how she always supported us in our sports venues. Bless your family at this time. With fond memories, Dean

Dean Buck

Mary. Anne.and Tom , how very proud you must be of the exceptional life your mother lived. It was one of love, leadership, and service. One to be modeled after. She was always a lady . I got to know her when she went to Countryside. She always had a smile on her face and such kind words. She was always anxious to receive Our Lord in Holy Communion. She had such a great faith and loved and served our Lord faithfully. You surely have a saint in heaven to watch over you now. God bless Jean. I'll miss her on Monday mornings.

Gina Rocca

Dear Mary Margaret,Annie,Tom & Families, Your Mother was a "LADY" in the most truest sense of the word. I first met her and Mr. Shinske when we were included in one of your Fremont ThanksGiving Dinners. What an amazing and interesting person to enjoy such a special occasion with. I also enjoyed our little lunches with your Mother, Mary, when John & I visited South Haven. It was fun & delightful to steal her away for an afternoon.
We know your hearts are very heavy right now, but hopefully all your wonderful memories will replace the tears.
Keeping you all close in heart and prayer.
Our Sincerest Sympathy, John&Cindy Rizzardi

John & Cindy Rizzardi

After so long, out of the blue, comes another connection to a past I just barely remember. Deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. She has gone, only physically, to a better place, because everyone that was ever touched by her will always remember her.
I am always hearing "the Shinske girls" a lot when I get around my Aunt Rhea or Aunt Fran, and they tell me how when I was born you girls were always around the Nolan house. I was their first grandchild and probably a curiosity for you at that time. And Tom, I remember lots of times sitting in your room, listening to music or admiring your model airplanes. I've tried to look you up several times but nobody I knew seemed to know where you were. Please get hold of me sometime, or Google Krohn's Boulevard. Again, very sorry to hear of this.

Bill Krohn

Dear Mary, Ann and Tom,

I was so sad to hear about your Mom's passing. Jim told me by writing that on thursday, January 12, Mrs. Shinske and Mom had a cup of tea. I know that we cannot keep those that we love but it sure doesn't make it hurt less. And losing a Mom is something that you really don't understand until it happens to you. And losing your Mom, who has been like part of the family, is just like losing part of my family

Enjoy the wonderful time that you will be able to share together as you have this special time to remember a very special woman. As I write I can see her crisp, warm, enthusiastic face and sparkling eyes and it makes me smile.

Please give each other a hug for me.

Love,

Jean

Jean Ollgaard Cody

Mary, Ann, Tom and families, we just wanted to let you know how sorry we are about the passing of your amazing mother. I could write a book with the great times and stories our families have shared throughout the years. We were all blessed with wonderful parents that shared such a genuine affectionate friendships with all they encountered and touched so many lives. Your mothers catching warm smile and quick wit will never be forgotten. When we had our first son Justin I will never forget your Mom smiling and telling me “it’s about time one of you Hamlin’s had a baby on my birthday” we will always remember her classy wit on June 13th for years to come! We hope you find comfort in knowing your Mom and Dad and all their friends are together now watching over all of us. Our deepest sympathy, love and prayers go out to all of you in this difficult time.

Charlie O, Cheryl, Justin & Tyler Hamlin

Sending our family's deepest condolences and warm regards to Mary, Ann, Tom, all Aunt Jean's extended family, and her whole South Haven community. The memories I hold of you all, and your wonderful home, are some of my most cherished. I recall our last visit in the autumn of 2004, helping Max and Aunt Jean reunite not long after Bob's and Ken's passing. Sharp and witty as ever, Aunt Jean impressed with many topics, among them her latest read - plus memories of both my AND her childhood summers with Maxine. She and all her South Haven family are remembered fondly; what a remarkable place to have lived! Aunt Jean's passing saddens me as surely it does everyone who knew her, but certainly without a single regret after such a long and notable life. Best to you all, I'm so glad to have known her.
--Lance