Jean Longley

PEORIA, Ariz./MADISON - Jean Alice Longley, age 91, died peacefully on January 6, 2014 at The Forum in Peoria, Arizona. She was born on June 1, 1922 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, the oldest child of Judge Burt and Amelia Larkin. She graduated from Two Rivers High School in 1940, attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and graduated from Holy Family School of Nursing in Manitowoc, Wisconsin in 1945 as part of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. Jean returned to Madison to work at the Wisconsin General Hospital where she met Dr. B. Jack Longley. She and Jack were married in 1948. They lived in Waukesha, Wisconsin and Fort Knox, Kentucky before returning to Madison where they raised their three children and enjoyed many memorable years. Beginning in 1992, Jean and Jack wintered in Arizona, and in 1999 they became year-round residents there with their beloved daughter, Carrie. Jean dedicated her life to supporting her family, friends, and others in need. In addition to caring for Carrie, Jean was the chief support system for four aunts, an uncle and her parents in their declining years. Though she was active in the Catholic community, her legacy was her private spirituality. Her devotion to prayer and the rosary was what gave her the energy to reach out to those dealing with the later years of their lives, recently as a dinner hostess, a friend or a visitor to those who moved to assisted living facilities. Jean was pre-deceased by her daughter Carrie, her sister Frances, and her husband Jack. After Jack’s death in 2012, Jean was exhausted but she then developed a new lease on life. She began traveling to see grandchildren and great grandchildren and even posed with Bucky Badger last year at her grandson’s medical school graduation. She also moved to a new apartment and was still working on it when she received her terminal cancer diagnosis. She remained a role model for her children and grandchildren as she persevered through the illness and continued to give unyielding love and support in all of their endeavors. Jean is survived by her daughter Mary Frances Landsness, son B. Jack Longley, Jr. (Maureen Durkin), grandchildren Eric Landsness (Mebbie), Monica Sansaver (Gordy), and Serena, Alice, Michael and Martha Jean Longley, and great granddaughters Emma Landsness and Lily Sansaver. A memorial service for Jean was held earlier in Arizona. Her funeral will take place on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH in Madison. The service will begin with a visitation at 11 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by the Rev. Steve Kuhlmann. A reception will follow. Memorial contributions can be made to the Carolyn Longley Fund for research on developmental disabilities at the University of Wisconsin Foundation. Rise up in splendor… Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. -- Isaiah, 60:1