Jeanne Lorraine Carter

Jeanne Lorraine Carter, 86, Rockford, passed away Saturday, October 21, 2017, at Fairhaven Christian Home surrounded by her family. She was born August 21, 1931, in Rockford, the only child of Ragnar and Eva (Carlson) Nyquist. Jeanne graduated in 1949, from Rockford East High School and married the love of her life, Arthur B. Carter on November 5, 1949. He passed away on June 17, 2009. Jeanne taught kindergarten at Alpine Lutheran Church for several years and later worked at American Bank in Rockford. The job she most loved was working in the attendance office at East High School, her Alma Mater, from where she retired after many years. She had a positive and lasting impact on not only the staff, but on the students and parents as well. Jeanne participated in numerous sports her entire life. She was a founding member of PAR TEE Women’s Golf Club at Sandy Hollow Golf Course in 1956, and golfed well into her 70’s. Other hobbies included bowling, camping, fishing, crocheting, and ceramics where she created many memorable items that are cherished by her family. Alpine Lutheran Church was her faith home since 1953. She was involved in many aspects of the church, especially active in the choir where she often performed solos. Music was a passion to Jeanne. In addition to singing, she played the piano and the organ. Jeanne was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved attending and supporting events in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Visits from her great-grandchildren were especially cherished. In addition, she greatly enjoyed hosting family celebrations and holiday dinners. Her special treat was her infamous Swedish pancakes, a tradition that is continued through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survived by her son, Craig (Linda) Carter; her daughters, Cynthia (Scott) Lee and Cathy (David) Cyrs; her grandchildren, Christy (Sean) Toole, Chad Carter, Rachel (Jason) Biller, Mark (Tasha) Lee, Rebecca (Ethan) Hedman, Genevieve (Sebastian) Cyrs, William, Thomas and Michael Cyrs; her great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Noah and Sophie Toole, Caden and Jackson Carter, Joshua Jacob and Jeremy Lee, Madeline and Genevieve Biller. Jeanne is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Arthur B. Carter, her parents and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, October 26, 2017, at Alpine Lutheran Church, 5001 Forest View Av. Rockford, 61108, with Reverend Dan Wynard officiating. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Thursday at the church. Memorials may be made to Alpine Lutheran Church or to the Fairhaven Christian Home, 3470 N. Alpine Rd. Rockford, 61114. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.