The family of Jean Consie
announces with sadness her passing at the age of 92 on Dec. 30, 2013, from
congestive heart failure. We celebrate her life as we mourn her death. We carry
within us the love that we shared with her. We are grateful to have experienced
in our lives her nurturing ways, her support, her encouragement and her
sweetness. Her spirit will live forever within us. Jean Rigoni Consie was born March 20, 1921, in
Bessemer Township, Mich., to Tomazo and Maria (Costa) Rigoni. Her family moved
to Ironwood when she was three years old. She attended parochial and public
schools in Ironwood, graduating from St. Ambrose High School in 1938. After
graduation she worked for a time at the Jiffy Hamburger Shop, John Albert's
Jewelry Shop and the Curry Hotel. On July 4, 1942, she married Walter R. Consie
of Hurley. They were married by Rev. J.B. Moriarty at the St. Ambrose rectory.
The couple moved to Rockford, Ill. for two years before moving back to Ironwood
in 1944. Five years ago, Jean moved to Appleton and resided with her
daughter. Jean enjoyed being a homemaker, providing her
family with wonderful, nutritious meals which always included fantastic
desserts. Great times were spent around the table enjoying Italian meals made
from scratch: polenta and chicken, gnocchi, ravioli, risotto, homemade pasta and
meatballs. Her spare time was spent sewing, tailoring, knitting and crocheting
extensively for her children and grandchildren. She also found pleasure in
decorative painting in her later years creating many cherished pieces for her
family. Her children and grandchildren cherish her creativity. Mom's days were
busy and filled with loving her family. When her children were grown, she found
fulfillment as a supervisory aide for the Expanded Nutrition Program through the
Extension Office of Michigan State University. Jean was a lifelong member of Our Lady of
Peace Parish. She was a former CCD teacher, sang in the Resurrection choir,
served on Ministry of Care, was a charter member of the Rosary Group and also
belonged to the Intercessory Prayer Group. Jean is survived by her four children, Robert
(Maryann), Ironwood, Jean and Judy, Appleton, and Jerry (Mary), Mesa, Ariz.;
four grandchildren, Brent (Michelle), Duluth, Minn., Ryan (Crissa), Southern
Pines, N.C., Michael (Lisa), Duluth, and Anna, Mesa; four
great-grandchildren, Sophia Rose, Duluth, Maya Faith and Layla Stephanie Grace,
Southern Pines, and Thomas Robert, Duluth; and many nieces, nephews and dear
friends. Jean was preceded in death by her husband,
Walter, on June 19, 1998; her parents; her mother-and-father-in-law, Oswald and
Anna (Zimke) Consie; her sisters, Emily Armichardy and Mary Bobcanik; a
brother-in-law, Wilbert Consie; and sisters-in-law, Anna Colassacco, Alma
Badovski, Frieda Bodouski, Ruth Schleker, Esther Siirila, Evelyn Korpi and
Dorothy Cricks. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated
Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation in the St. Joseph Family
Room at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood, with the Rev.
Robb Jurkovich, celebrant. Luncheon will follow in the parish
hall. Rite of Committal and interment will be in
Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, in the spring. Pallbearers will be Jean's four grandchildren,
and Jason Pallin and Robert Colassacco. Arrangements have been entrusted to
McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Inc., Ironwood, where condolences may be
expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. The family is grateful for the excellent care
provided to our mother by her cardiologist, Dr. Wojciech Nowak, and cardiology
nurse, Carol Shapiro; the St. Elizabeth nurses on 2 South; Affinity Hospice,
especially Cass, Sheila, Kerry, Gina, Barb, Nancy, Liz and Kristin; St. Mary of
the Seven Dolors staff: Sister Joanne Goessl, Deacon Jeff Prickette, Father
James Leary, the Rosary group and our "pew partners". We are also grateful for
family and friends who supported us throughout this journey. We thank you from
the bottom of our hearts.