Jean Maier

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Jean (Jeanie) Maier, 85, peacefully departed this world for her heavenly home on September 16, 2024. She most recently resided in Lake Villa, IL. Jeanie grew up in Waukegan, IL with her parents, brother Bob, and sister Peggy Sharpe. Her childhood summers were spent at her grandparents' lake house on Round Lake. This is where she discovered a passion for getting her hands dirty gardening and hunting worms for her grandfather's tackle and bait shop. Jeanie, despite being a feisty peach, always put the needs of others before hers. She lived to serve others, whether that was cooking, visiting, comforting, or caregiving. After high school graduation, Jeanie caught Richard (Dick) Maier's eye. It was rapid love, and the two were married in 1957, 3 months after meeting. They had their first child, Michael, followed by Pamela, David, Anne-Marie, and Kristina. Jean was a dedicated wife and mother, often raising the children on her own due to Dick's Navy deployments and long work hours. She taught her children to follow their instincts, to always show compassion, how to be empathic, and how to be strong, all while fostering their natural talents and passions. Personal experiencing the needs of the families of pediatric patients, Jean was a member of the first Ronald McDonald House--Chicago board of directors. She spent countless hours supporting the opening of Chicago's Ronald Mcdonald House, its operations, and the families who stayed there. When Jean wasn't volunteering, cooking, cleaning, gardening, traveling, or raising children, she could be found laughing hysterically with her friends. Jean was the life of the party, always ready with a cunning quip or some upbeat moves to her favorites--Elvis, The Beach Boys, or Elton John. And no one can forget her amazing cooking: Swedish coffee cake, Swedish pancakes, spaghetti sauce, and rhubarb pie are her most beloved dishes. In 1997, Jean and Dick retired to Venice, FL, where she combined her passion for gardens and friendship with her desire to serve others. She was an active member of the Red Hat Club of Venice, Women's Sertoma Club of Venice, Our Mother's House, and a volunteer at Marie Selby Botanic Gardens. Additionally, Jean and Dick traveled the world, taking in the sights, gardens, cultures, and experiences each country has to offer. When not in Florida or jet setting, Jean and Dick could be found at their home-away-from-home: Hacienda del Mar in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Jean is survived by her loving husband Dick, son Michael Maier, daughters Anne-Marie Maier and Kristina, (Paul Cook), grandchildren Andrew, Tegan, and Paige, and her sister, Peggy Sharpe (David Sharpe). Jean was predeceased by her children Pamela and David Maier, and her brother Robert (Bob) Thompson. Jeanie made her mark on so many lives and will be missed by many. Visitation will be 3 - 6 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Ringa Funeral Home in Lake Villa. A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Ringa Funeral Home followed by a procession to Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Jean's memory to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana" https://rmhcchicago.donorsupport.co/page/donate

Jean Maier

April 19, 1939 - September 16, 2024

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