Josephine Jean Vance

February 23, 1932 - February 22, 2021

Jean Vance, age 88, passed away peacefully February 22, 2021 in Collierville TN surrounded by family. An exceptional woman who generously loved her family and always thought of others before herself, she was the beloved wife of Aubrey for almost 59 years, before he passed in 2017; the loving mother of Helen Cagna (David), Carol Vance, and Rosemary Kleiser (Mike); adoring grandmother of Caitlin Cagna, Dani Cagna, Alexandra Caccese (Ben), Michael Motarjeme, Elizabeth Kleiser, Eric Kleiser (Brooke), and Scott Kleiser; cherished sister of Ann Wilson; and best friend to Katy, her feisty sweet pup. While matriarch of the family in America, she was also committed to her family in Ireland and kept the relationships between the generations vibrant and alive. Jean was born in Rathfriland, Northern Ireland on February 23, 1932. With the perfect combination of strength and tenderness, her deep love of people and life fueled her passion for nursing, volunteering, and continually expanding her wide circle of true friends. After emigrated to America in 1965, Jean built on her talent as a nurse in both Ireland and Denmark, and continued to help others via a wide range of organized volunteer work, including Meals on Wheels, Hospice, and Church Activities, as well as sincerely and generously extending love and kindness to both friends and strangers. Jean also found joy in music and nature, especially when shared with others. Jean raised her family in Charleston SC, moved closer to her oldest daughter in Naperville IL to generously share love as a grandmother, and prior to Aubrey’s passing, moved near her youngest daughter in Collierville TN. She was blessed to spark close friendships with her neighbors at The Village at Schilling Farms and cherished her daily dog walks with all. Jean’s legacy of caring for others and appreciation of what really matters in life will live on. A celebration of Jean’s life will be Saturday, February 27 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis TN 38119 beginning at 4 PM.