Jeanne Ems

Jeanne Ems, 88, of Naperville, formerly of Canton, entered eternal life on May 4, 2021 at Arbor Terrace Senior Living in Naperville, IL. She was born on May 27,1932 in Waukegan, IL to Leo and Elsie(Mitchell) Mitchell Gossard. Jeanne married Robert "Bob" Ems on June 7, 1952 in Fisher, IL. He survives along with two children, Randy (Amy) and of Yorkville and Lizabeth "Dee" Watson of Canton, MS, brother Roger (Susan) Gossard of CO, sister Lynn(late Kenneth) Blackburn of AZ, five grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brother; Lyle, Billy and David.

From a very early age, Jeanne showed signs of great courage and faith. Her older brothers Lyle and Billy died at very young ages due to scarlet fever. She supported her mourning mother and helped raise her younger siblings David, Roger and Lynn.

Throughout Jeanne's life she always gave more than she took. She was tremendously active in her church and community her entire life. She was a member of the Altruistic Club, PEO and Methodist Church. She pitched in wherever help was needed be it teaching Sunday School, delivering Meals On Wheels or assisting with the Golden Agers Group at the Canton Park District. She could be a team member or leader whatever the situation needed. She was a past president of the Canton PEO and a state leader in County Health. She was named YMCA Women of the Year in Canton. She was co-chair of the Veteran's Memorial at Lakeland Park.

Jeanne was always a hard worker and bright student but did not have the opportunity to attend college until she was 38. But when the chance came she was ready. Wanting to help put her kids through college and to better herself, she decided to become an RN. And that she did, graduating number 1 in her class at Graham Hospital School of Nursing, later going on to receive her nurse clinician designation at Wichita State and her Master in Nursing from WIU. She worked at Graham Hospital as an RN and Director of the The Fulton County Health Dept for Nursing.

You also would be hard pressed to find another person who was a better spouse, mother and friend. She was kind, caring, strong and faithful not to mention her God given beauty inside and out. She truly left a legacy of what it means to be a good person and lead by example. Her memory lives on through the countless lives she touched.

A celebration of life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton on June 12. Visitation will begin at 10, service at 11 and fellowship to follow.

Memorials can be made to Wesley United Methodist or to the Veteran's Memorial at Lakeland Park.