7-03-2023 1:29pm

Jean Powers acquired many pets over her lifetime, through no fault of her own

Michael McGinnis Editor

Jean Powers (1940-2023)

Jean Powers, of Roscoe, was born in Beloit, WI, to Allan and Elinor (Brown) Showers. She graduated from North Boone High School in 1958, and began her life as a wife and mother. In the mid-1970’s, Jean helped start the Steamco Carpet Cleaning company, which she ran until she began her career with Sundstrand in 1978, working as a planner in the stockroom until her retirement in 2003.

She died on June 30, 2023 at the age of 82.

Jean enjoyed part-time retail jobs during her career, and volunteered at OSF St. Anthony for several years after retirement. Jean’s greatest joy was being able to become a full-time grandma during her retirement years, and was adored by all of her grandchildren. Jean reluctantly enjoyed traveling with her friends, the “Golden Girls” and took many trips to visit her Florida family.

Jean was a giving and caring person who would do anything for anyone, and left an everlasting impression on whomever she met. She acquired many pets over her lifetime, at no fault of her own, with her most recent being her beloved dog, Fifi.

She is preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, James; grandson, Joseph Connar Powers; son-in-law, Kurt Smith; brother, Ralph Showers; sister, Jacqueline “Jackie” McGonigal; and brother-in-law, David York.

Jean is survived by her children, Melissa Smith (Roscoe, IL), Jennifer (Ken) Jaeger (Garden Prairie, IL), Jim (Angela) Powers (Bradenton, FL), Heather (Tyler) Pearson (Rockford, IL); grandchildren, Casey (Jeremy) Try (Roscoe, IL), Aaron (Katelyn) Jaeger (Roscoe, IL), Andrew (Natalie) Smith (Crystal Lake, IL), Justin (Danielle Bada) Smith (Roscoe, IL), Nathan (Trisha Farner) Jaeger (Port Huron, MI), Chloe (Kyle Weiher) Powers (Kenosha, WI), Corbin Pearson (Rockford, IL); great-grandchildren, Ashley (Jas Bilich) Try, Jesse Try, Parker Smith, Reid Smith, Milo Jaeger, Jack Jaeger; great-great-grandson, Jasper Bilich; siblings, Roger Showers (Rockton, IL), Stan (Mary) Showers (Roscoe, IL), Wendy (Bill) Ellingson (Poplar Grove, IL), Mary York (Champaign, IL), Connie (Bill) Hazer (Loves Park, IL); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family says, "Jean created a great legacy and is deeply missed by her family and friends." They would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff of Generations at Neighbors in Byron, IL, for the dedicated love and care shown to their mom over the past three years, and to Serenity Hospice for their support to the family during Jean’s final hours.

Memorial service will be at 5:30 p.m. with a visitation from 3- 5 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Roscoe Chapel, 11342 Main Street, Roscoe, IL 61073. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.