April 3, 2023 – Whitefish Bay, WI – Jean Ann Pierre, 82, passed away surrounded by her children on March 31, 2023.
Jean was born on August 11, 1940 to Byron and Katherine (née Krenz) McMillan in Stillwater, Minnesota. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1958 and the University of Wisconsin – River Falls in 1962 with a degree in elementary education. On her way to a college football game with friends, Jean met graduate student Gerald “Jerry” Pierre who wooed her while driving her home for weekend visits and through his weekly letters. They married on August 11, 1962 and then shared more than 56 years together.
Jean delighted in being an elementary school teacher, including teaching her passion for reading at Holy Family Learning Center for 28 years. She was a vibrant member of the Whitefish Bay community for nearly 50 years, where she was an active volunteer, a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church, a member of small Christian communities and a friendly neighbor who enjoyed hosting parties, gatherings and special holiday festivities. In addition to being an avid reader with multiple book clubs, Jean celebrated all holidays to their fullest with decorations to match and was known to annually distribute hundreds of Easter baskets and Christmas stockings. Jean loved making new friends, treasuring old friends, and connecting others.
Jean’s compassion and kindness shone through in many ways and especially with her extended family. She succeeded in making everyone feel uniquely loved. In particular, Jean dedicated many years to the special care of her youngest daughter Molly.
Jean is survived by her daughter Elizabeth (John) Minz of West Bend, Wisconsin and son Matthew (Kristin) Pierre of Edina, Minnesota; grandchildren Catherine, Rebecca, Hannah and Megan Minz and Syd and Jack Pierre; sister Mary Fox (Peter Christensen) of Shoreview, Minnesota and sister-in-law Lynn “Annie” Pierre of LeSueur, Minnesota; and nieces and nephew. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry, daughter Molly and nephew Andrew.
A memorial mass celebrating Jean and her daughter Molly will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4825 North Wildwood Avenue, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 6 p.m. Gathering from 4 p.m. until Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jean’s memory to the Holy Family Annual School Fund (http://hfparishschool.org/support-hf/).
Our family is incredibly grateful to so many of her friends, the staff of Luther Manor, Milwaukee Catholic Home and St. Camillus Hospice for their thoughtful care of Jean.
Courtesy Jelacic Funeral Home
