Jeanette K. Beahan-Dudek, age 91, a beloved mother and a woman of remarkable spirit, passed on March 13, 2025, at Ridgestone Gardens in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Jeanette was born on June 15, 1933, in Chicago to Durland and Helen (Rohde) Brown. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents Durland and Helen (Rohde) Brown, her husbands George Beahan and John Dudek, her sister Joan (Brown) Konkel and her husband Donald Konkel, her son George Beahan Jr. and his wife Roxanne (Crow) Beahan, and her son Michael Beahan. Jeanette is survived by her daughter Jeanette (Beahan) Ross and her husband Steve, her daughter Nancy (Beahan) Krause and her daughter-in-law Wendy (Sala) Beahan. Jeanette’s grandchildren Bryan Ross and his wife Becky (Zimmer) Ross, Cheri Ross, Jeremy Beahan and his wife Jennifer Beahan, and Rachel Beahan. Jeanette is also survived by her great grandchildren Andrew Ross, Daniel Ross and Bailey Wall. Jeanette was blessed to have two wonderful husbands George Beahan, married on February 26, 1952 (passed away October 24, 1984) and John Dudek, married on April 4, 1987 (passed away September 3, 2014). She leaves behind countless other lives that are better for having known her.
Jeanette completed 1,000 hours of training in Beauty Culture Science at Richards Trade School on June 22, 1951, in Chicago. She worked in a beauty salon in Chicago for a while. After moving to the suburbs, she took in babysitting until she got a job at Meyercord, in Carol Stream, Illinois. Her career at Meyercord, as a machine operator, began in 1966. After retiring from Meyercord in 1988, she continued to keep in touch with her friends and meet them for lunch and special occasions. She treasured her friendships and making memories with them.
Throughout the years Jeanette enjoyed sewing, crocheting, poker club, bridge club, bunco, bingo, playing golf and being a leader in golf club. When Jeanette learned how to use the computer she enjoyed making cards. She loved to personalize each card and make it special for each person by creating the design and signing it to make it special. She enjoyed the music of Dean Martin, Andy Williams, Ricky Nelson and Elvis Presley.
Jeanette enjoyed having family over every Saturday, which included her husband’s brothers and sister and their families. She enjoyed making dinner for them and playing board games, like Monopoly, and Careers. She also enjoyed card games like Pinochle. She also enjoyed playing Yahtzee with her grandchildren. Family was extremely important to her and she made it a priority! In addition to spending time with the extended family, Jeanette made Christmas extra special, and the family looked forward to the best homemade pizza and eggnog as they decorated the tree. She really enjoyed spending time with family!
Her vivacious personality brightened every room, and her quick wit and infectious laughter filled every conversation. Jeanette's warmth and positivity made her a beacon of light in the lives of those who knew her.
Jeanette was best known for her uplifting spirit, a true spitfire who could always find a reason to smile and make others smile with her. Her sassy demeanor and classy attitude were only a part of what made her so unique and unforgettable. Known to be a hoot and a stitch, her humor and positive outlook were infectious, and she took everything in stride with an admirable grace.
Jeanette was a woman of wisdom and heart, imparting invaluable lessons to those around her. She believed in the principle of kindness, teaching that if you didn't have anything nice to say about anyone, it was better not to say anything at all. Jeanette always sought the good in people and encouraged others to do the same. Her altruistic nature meant she often put others before herself, and her faith in life led her to reassure those around her that everything eventually works out.
Beyond her endearing personality, Jeanette was also a woman of great accomplishment. She had an uncanny way of juggling multiple responsibilities and achieving everything she set her heart to without seeming to break a sweat. Her legacy, however, lies not in her achievements, but in her impact on others. She made everyone she met feel important, special, and valued. Her compassion was as evident as her positivity, and she remained upbeat no matter the circumstances.
Jeanette's spirit will be carried on in the hearts of those she left behind, and her life serves as a beautiful testament to the power of positivity, compassion, and love.
A mass will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at St. Isadore Parish located at 427 Army Trail Rd., Bloomingdale, Illinois at 10:45AM. Following the mass there will be a short gravesite prayer at Assumption Cemetery located at 1S510 Winfield Rd, Winfield, Illinois. Afterwards, please join the family for lunch at Ki’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant located at 705 North Ave., Glendale Heights, Illinois.
For friends and family unable to attend the mass, a Celebration of Life will be held in Genoa City, Wisconsin at a later date.
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