Jean Ann Breen (Eckhardt)'s Obituary
Jean Ann Breen (Eckhardt), age 84, passed away March 18, 2018 in Memphis. Jean was a native of Nashville, TN, but a Memphian since 1965. She graduated from West High School in Nashville and Peabody College-Vanderbilt University. While in school she was active in Greek life and was a member of the Synchronized Swimming Team.She joins her husband of 62 years, Thomas E. Breen, who passed away in 2012. She is survived by her children Tom Breen Jr. (Becky), Patricia A. Breen, Colleen Breen Flynn (Edgar), Mary H. Breen Smith (Dave), Phillip E. Breen (Stefani); five grandchildren, Trey (Nikki) and Justin Breen (Emily), T.J., Amanda and John Flynn; and four great-grandchildren. Other survivors in Nashville include in-laws Hugh and Mary Breen, Reverend Joseph P. Breen, Barbara Kincaid Breen and Dorothy and Wallace Williams of Birmingham; over 30 nieces and nephews, 40 great nieces and nephews and many friends and neighbors who adored her. She is also predeceased by her parents Helen and Cloud Eckhardt and her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and John Hall of East Tennessee.Jean was an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Memphis for over 50 years, The Ladies of Charity, The Serra Club of Memphis, Alter Society, McWherter Choir Group, Holy Rosary Choir, and she was the grand marshal for the Balmoral neighborhood July 4th parade.She enjoyed playing bridge, singing, dancing and modeling for charity events. She loved her family unconditionally and never missed a party or celebration. Jean was a woman of faith and known for her beauty, inside and out, and her kindness toward everyone she met. She had a sweet nature and great sense of humor, and many children (and adults) affectionately knew her as “MawMaw.”Visitation services will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Memphis on Wednesday, March 21 from 5 to 7pm. A funeral mass will be on Thursday, March 22 at 10am, also at Holy Rosary. Burial will be at Memorial Park beside her husband, Tom. Concelebrating the mass will be Reverend Russell Harbaugh, Reverend Joseph P. Breen and other priests of the Memphis diocese. Memorials can be sent to Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Memphis, Serra Club Seminarian Fund or the donor’s favorite charity.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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