Obituary of Jean Louise Pickett
Jean Louise Pickett
(nee Milligan)
Jean Louise Pickett, 90, of Vernon Hills, formerly of South Holland, IL, shared her final eye roll and departed this world on October 28, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and legendarily controversial Thanksgiving stuffing.
For two decades, Jean served as the food service coordinator at Gwendolyn Brooks Junior High School in Harvey, Illinois, where she masterfully organized meals for hundreds of students – an ironic twist given her notorious disdain for and mediocre home cooking. Her Thanksgiving stuffing became particularly famous within the family, inspiring passionate debate between its devoted fans and good-natured critics who questioned the use of canned orange juice concentrate.
Jean was a Chicago native who raised her family in the south suburbs. Jean was the kind of mother who kept her six children in line with a mixture of love, wisdom, and the occasional colorful expression. She was also prone to rescuing many strays. As age softened her filter but not her spirit, she became known for her liberal use of hand gestures, particularly one specific finger that got quite the workout. Her favorite sayings, including "For God's sake!" and "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!" were delivered with her signature smile and infectious laugh.
Even as Alzheimer's disease led her to memory care, Jean's sharp wit and competitive spirit never dimmed. She continued to triumph over her children and grandchildren in crossword puzzles, proving that some skills are simply unshakeable. Through it all, she remained the loving glue that held her family together, offering a listening ear and understanding heart to all who needed it.
Jean is survived by her children Joseph Pickett, Frances (John) Kern, Susan (Michael) Purtell, William Pickett, and Jennifer Nebbia; and her brother Walter Milligan Jr. She was the immensely proud grandmother of Thomas, Jeffrey, Kevin, Jeanine, Jacqueline (Alex), Zachary, and Maya; and her great-grandchildren Brayden and Scarlett. Jean also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph; and her son, Michael.
As we bid farewell to our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, we raise a glass of wine (with maybe something sweet on the side) and remember a woman who taught us that love doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful, and that sometimes the best response to life's challenges is a good laugh and an expertly deployed gesture.
The family invites those who wish to honor Jean's memory to make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or Will County Humane Society in lieu of flowers.
A Memorial Gathering for Jean Louise Pickett will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m. As it was her request, cremation rites have been accorded.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
