Jeanne Wise

TRAVERSE CITY — Jeanne Nesbitt Wise, 81, passed away Nov. 14, 2011, at Cherry Hill Haven.Jeanne was born Jan. 6, 1930, in Alpena, to the late Dr. William and Catherine (Griffiths) Nesbitt. She grew up reading Nancy Drew, swimming in Lake Huron, and cheering on the Wildcats, class of 1947.While attending the University of Michigan for two years, Jeanne met her future husband, William "Bill" Wise, in a chance meeting outside Betsy Barbour House. Jeanne transferred to Michigan State University and graduated in 1951 with a BS degree, receiving honors from the School of Home Economics. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.On Dec. 28, 1951, Jeanne married William L. Wise at Trinity Episcopal Church in Alpena. Bill graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1953, and was called to active duty in the U.S. Navy. After serving in several duty stations, Jeanne and Bill returned to Michigan, where Bill began a 39-year law practice in Traverse City. They raised their four children on the shore of West Grand Traverse Bay.Jeanne enjoyed life, loved her family, and gave generously to others. She was active in Grace Episcopal Church in Traverse City, where she sang in the church choir and served on the Vestry.She was a loyal friend to all, from her Alpena childhood buddies to the Labor Day Picnic Group; a Sewing Club where sewing was low on the list of priorities; her Book Club; and a Bridge Club that extended far beyond a hand of cards.She raised her children on made-from-scratch meals and spent many sweltering summer days canning fruits and vegetables from the Old Mission Peninsula. There was always room for one more at Jeanne's table, where neighborhood children often were introduced to foods from artichokes to creamed herring.Jeanne was a graceful athlete who loved playing tennis, skiing, bicycling and boating. She and Bill were equally happy skiing on local hills or on mountains in the U.S., Europe, Africa and Asia. For more than 30 years, they never missed a University of Michigan football game in Ann Arbor. Game day always began with a tailgate party hosted by Bill's fraternity brother, Joe Cobane. Their season tickets — passed down from Jeanne's parents — gave them a great view of the 50-yard line.When Bill retired in 1995, they moved to Leland. Jeanne coped with memory loss for many years. She was a resident of Cherry Hill Haven for the last four years of her life and was the recipient of excellent care there.Jeanne is survived by her husband of 61 years, Bill; daughter, Kathy (John) Huschke, of White Cloud; daughter, Anne Reid and her husband, Dave Hurley, of Seattle; son, Will (Chitlada) Wise, of Portland, Ore.; son, Chris Wise, and his wife, Becky Guzwa, of Ann Arbor; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and her sister, Sally Goddard, of Alpena.Visitation for friends and family will take place on Dec. 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 5, at Grace Episcopal Church. Internment will take place at a later date in Peninsula Township Cemetery.Memorial contributions in Jeanne's honor may be directed to Grace Episcopal Church, 341 Washington St., Traverse City, MI 49684, and the Leelanau Conservancy, P.O. Box 1007, 105 North First Street, Leland, MI 49654.Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Jeanne Wise

November 14, 2011