The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
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Thayer remembered for gentleness Celebration of life to be held 5 p.m. Oct. 11 at daughter's home
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: September 25, 2008
Jeanne Thayer adored her family. Anyone who met her was sure to learn about her grown daughters, Shannon and Alison. She talked of her husband, Lou, as she would a best friend.
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Thayer would share all of this, only after she had listened, smiled warmly and listened some more.
Thayer, 63, lost her battle with cancer Aug. 24, with Lou, Alison and Shannon by her side.
Terry Morris remembers the special friendship she had with Thayer.
"The core of my and Jeanne's friendship was based on the freedom we felt with each other to glow about how much we loved our husbands and children," Morris said. "We sometimes talked about the things they did or their accomplishments, but our truest joy was in talking about what made them so beautiful to us. "
Thayer taught third and fourth grade in the Ypsilanti School District for 25 years and was a member of the Friends of Saline District Library, supporting literacy projects and the growth of the facility.
Library Director Leslee Niethammer knew Thayer through her work at the library.
"Jeanne was always friendly and interested in other people. She was very involved in the library's book sales, quietly working behind the scenes, proving herself to be invaluable with her help and her support," Niethammer said. "There is a big hole here at the library, but we're remembering her with smiles and Jeanne stories."
Darell Dinges was familiar with Thayer through the Saline Leadership Institute and admired her professional dedication.
"I am sure she truly touched and guided the lives of so many children throughout her years as a teacher," Dinges said. "She was obviously so kind and giving, but I'm sure she was no pushover, as her sharp sense of humor came out several times in our meetings for SLI."
Bruce Temby also met Thayer through the leadership institute, where long-lasting friendships seem to quickly form.
"Jeanne was a wonderfully warm and friendly person," Temby said. "She was unassuming, unpretentious and avoided pomp and circumstance.
"Jeanne had a quiet, thoughtful and caring personality. She spoke compassionately after thorough reflection on a variety of topics. Her humility, honesty and dedication to the community were things I admired greatly."
A celebration of Thayer's life will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 11 at the home of Alison and Jorge Livingston, 1227 Colony Drive in Saline.
Memorial contributions may be made to cancer research, the oncology unit or the rehabilitation unit at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, c/o development department, 5305 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.
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