Obit of Knol, Jeanne - Oklahoma County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 19 Feb 2006 Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.html ========================================================================== ::NOT LISTED Knol, Jeanne Jeanne, 79, devoted mother, beloved grandmother, and treasured friend died on August 14 following a courageous battle with cancer with her children by her side. Born in San Francisco on February 2, 1926 she lived in 25 different towns, attending 12 different schools. She graduated from McLeansboro High School and was selected as the representative for Illinois Girls State, where she received the highest award for the most outstanding from a group of 304 women participating statewide. She was also president of her junior class, cheerleader, and received the Olympian Myths Charter - the highest honor bestowed at her school. As valedictorian she received a college scholarship to the University of Southern Illinois. These early life experiences groomed her for a journey of community service, giving her a deep respect for cultural diversity, and a passion for all living beings. During the course of her life she was honored as Woman of the Year; served as PTA president; was a speaker for the Oklahoma Women's Journal Club; taught Sunday school; and donated countless hours of community service, advocating for the underprivileged, especially children and stray animals. Nothing tests the spirit like human tragedy, yet beyond the illusion of great pain and suffering, she continued to teach all who crossed her path that a smile is contagious and a simple hug can bond together so many. Her beloved husband of 57 years, John J. Knol and parents, George and Hazel Dunlap, precedes her in death. Three children survive her: J. Michael Knol, Jana Beth Knol, and Joni Lesseg; sonin-law, Patrick Lesseg; and two grandchildren, Michele and John. She lived as she died with the belief that unlike grass, which can be wiped out in a strong wind, we are as the earth. During the course of her illness her family encountered many strong winds, and would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the many people, from every walk and station, whose souls' reflections walked in close proximity with hers. Jeanne leaves a legacy of loving kindness and compassion through the innumerable lives that she touched. Rather than mourn the absence of her flame, we will celebrate how brightly it burned on Friday, August 26 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 2400 West Hefner Road. All friends are invited to attend. Memorial donations may be made to Free to Live, P.O. Box 5884, Edmond, OK, 73083. Published in The Oklahoman on 8/21/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html