Jeanne Marie Xelowski Smith

Jeanne Marie Xelowski Smith was born on June 23, 1944 in Chicago, IL. to Dr. Thaddeus & Bev Xelowski. She passed away peacefully November 20, 2014 at Hospice House in Bend, OR with her daughter by her side. Jeanne graduated from Chicago Medical School Barat College of Nursing (B.S.N.) and was a registered nurse for 30 years. She worked for Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL and Center for Human Reproduction in Glenview, IL. Jeanne resided in the Chicago area from 1944 2001; Reno, NV from 2001 2012; and Bend, OR from 2012 2014. Jeanne loved naturethe woods, rivers and mountainsthe ocean. She loved wildlife and rescued many, including an owl, seagull, and hawk. Wildlife would appear wherever she was and take up residence in her yard: an opossum, mother duck with ducklings, raccoons, deer.all were welcome. Jeanne loved animals, especially dogs..hers were spoiled rotten! She loved people from all walks of life and would give them the shirt off her back if needed. Jeanne loved learning whether through reading current events or medical journals or attending OSHER Institute lectures. She always surprised folks with her voracious appetite for knowledge, as she would read several novels at the same time and have a stack of National Geographic and medical journals by her chair. Many times, finishing a novel in one day. She loved cooking, fishing, camping, and culture. The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Symphony, and Shakespeare festival were her favorites. Jeanne loved music, be it Tchaikovsky, Yoyo Ma, Yanni, Nakai, Peter Paul & Mary, or Heart and Led Zeppelin. She would whistle while grocery shopping. Jeanne loved Nursing- always caring for her patients as if they were her family. Jeanne loved her daughter more than anything. She pulled her on a sled to kindergarten, made puppets for her classroom, and played baseball with all the neighborhood kids. Jeanne and Brie had a very special bond and enjoyed many Adventures (kayaking was her favorite). Jeannes smile and sparkling eyes lit up a room so much positive energy and zest for life. Her daughter called her my little hummingbird. She had so much energy, enthusiasm, and was always helping people. Jeanne loved this planet and found beauty in everything. Jeanne will be dearly missed, but is flying free with the birds she loved. Survived by: Daughter Brie Arnette (Bend); Sicut filia Karen Karnes (Bend); Granddaughter Melissa Conn; Siblings Judy Xelowski, Joanie Shawn, Tom Xelowski, Tracy Xelowski, Julie Xelowski-Brooker, Jacque Xelowski and Terry Xelowski. Nephews and nieces: Tim Alston, Chris Alston, Dan Redline, Ken Redline, Jennifer Campbell, Jim Porges, Christina Bland, Mark Wright, Nigal Vrbanic, Damien Vrbanic, Sara Xelowski, Stephanie Xelowski, and Todd Xelowski. Preceded in death by: Husband Thomas J. Smith; Father Dr. Thaddeus Xelowski; Mother Beverly Hanley; Mother Jane Welch; Siblings Todd Xelowski, Jamie Xelowski, and Jan Porges. The family would like to thank Partners in Care Hospice in Bend, OR for their support & care over the past year. Services: A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday November 30, 2014 at Aspen Hall at Shevlin Park at 1:00pm. Contributions may be made to: Partners in Care Hospice or the Central Oregon Humane Society. Funeral Home: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home New 105 NW Irving Ave Bend, OR US 97701

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Jeanne Marie Xelowski Smith

June 23, 1944 - November 20, 2014