Jeanette Frances Cannon (née Krema) passed away February 5, 2022, after a long battle with a brain tumor. She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Patrick Cannon; two beloved step-children, Patrick Jr., and Elizabeth Cannon (Boyd Klingler); two dear sisters, Mary Derdzinski (John) and Gerri Ciucci (the late Dominic); seven much-loved nieces; and too many other relatives and friends to count. She was born on April 20, 1946,in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, to the late Marie and John Krema; and grew up there and on Chicago’s Northwest Side. Although she lived in Oak Park and Forest Park after her marriage, she was a Chicagoan through and through. She received her B.A. from Northeastern Illinois University and her Masters from DePaul. She taught for many years in Archdiocese of Chicago schools, but also worked at Marshall Field’s, Marriot Hotels, and the Art Institute. She used her teaching skills while administering a youth education program for Lions Clubs International; and in standardized test development for various publishers. Her dedication to working with children extended to her volunteer work at the Chicago History Museum, which she dearly loved; and at the Oak Park Conservatory. She loved to sing. Over the years, she sang with the Northwest Choral Society, the Oak Park/River Forest Symphony Chorus, and the St. Catherine/St. Lucy Parish (Oak Park) Choir, among others. She sang for many weddings, too, including those of some of her friends and nieces. But wherever she lived, worked, or sang, she made friends, many of whom were still her friends at the end. She was one of those rare people who actually loved her neighbor more than herself and proved it every day. A funeral mass will be celebrated for her on Saturday, February 19th at 11:00 at St. Catherine/St Lucy Church (38 N. Austin Boulevard, Oak Park), preceded by visitation from 9:30am - 11:00am. Attendees must be vaccinated, boosted (if appropriate), and wearing masks. Internment will be private at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines. Memorial donations in her name should be made to the Chicago History Museum, at www.chicagohistory.org. Arrangements by Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home in Forest Park.
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