Jeanine Marie Easterday
1/1/1953-7/17/2024

Advocate is the word that best describes Jeanine's life. The world is minus one powerful advocate today.

Jeanine arrived in Traverse City post nursing school with her husband, James (Pat) Easterday and began a lifetime commitment to the city and the area. The scope of her involvement with the city of Traverse City was extensive. Jeanine served as a City Commissioner, a Planning Commission Representative, a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Workforce Affordable Housing Task Force, The Watershed Center as chairperson, President of the League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area, National Cherry Festival city liaison, and the Traverse City Master Plan Leadership team. She was a volunteer mediator with Conflict Resolution Services.

Jeanine's pursuit of knowledge is legendary. There was always a book within hands' reach. Beginning with a RN diploma, she completed a BSN and a Master's of Science in Nursing Administration. Her lengthy career at Munson Medical Center included management of the Vascular Access/Intravenous Therapy Team and clinical direction in the design and building of the Outpatient Dialysis Center. Jeanine led the Munson organization in achieving designation as a Magnet Recognized Facility. Magnet is an international recognition for excellence in professional nursing service granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Once retired from Munson, she became a Magnet program appraiser for hospitals throughout the country.

Jeanine's intelligence, humor, integrity and fairness attracted colleagues and friends alike. Whether it was the people she mentored or people she became a role model for or fellow dancers with the Old Town Playhouse, her positive attitude infused every relationship with optimism and fun.

Jeanine was compassionate, caring and greatly loved by her son, James Easterday and daughter-in-law, Cassiopeia; grandchildren, Andromeda and James; sisters, Paula Carey, Dorothy DelRose, Carol Carey, Erin Carey, and Kathleen Carey; sister-in-law, Ann Quarles and brother-in-law, David Easterday. She was much loved by her nieces, nephews and dear friends.

It would make Jeanine very happy for you to direct memorial contributions either to Planned Parenthood of Michigan, the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay or Save the Children.

A celebration of Jeanine's life and love will take place at The Park Place Hotel, August 7, 2024 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Please feel free to bring your favorite picture and written remembrance to share. Your photos will be returned.

You are also welcome to share a thought or memory with Jeanine's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .