Jean McGurk

McGurk, Jean (Passaneau) of Peabody MA formally of Westport CT, age 93, died peacefully at home on Friday, January 7th. Daughter of the late Harold Passaneau and the late Kathryn (Teu) Passaneau and sister of the late Robert Passaneau all of Park Ridge IL. She was the wife of the late Richard McGurk of Wilmette IL married for 52 years, survived by her daughter Kate Robey and her husband Jock, Emily and her husband Robert, Shayla and her husband Paul all of Gloucester MA, Molly McGurk Ibenthal and her husband Charles of Overland Park KS, her son Daniel McGurk and wife Petra of Trumbull CT, Michael McGurk of Westport CT. Grandchildren Cassie Mor, Christopher Annis, Leda Annis, Haley, Ryan McGurk, Hannah Ibenthal and Carly Ibenthal, great-grandson Emet Mor.

A graduate of De Paul University in Chicago she began her career as a flight attendant for American Airlines, elementary school teacher, former model for Marshall Field’s department store. After having six children she pursued her Master’s in Counseling providing outpatient counseling and corporate consulting. Upon retirement, Jean and Richard lived in Alexandria, Egypt as volunteers for International Executive Service Corp for several years. Jean will be remembered for her sense of style (Eileen Fisher) and grace, sense of humor, her love of the New York Times and most important her steadfast devotion to her family and friends. She was treasured by all that knew her and by knowing her you became a better daughter, son, grandchild and friend. Jean’s motto was always get-up and go meet friends for coffee and when life becomes challenging take a deep breath then take-on the world with style and grace.

A memorial service, a celebration of her amazing life will be held in the future.

In lieu of flowers please call a friend you've lost touch with, offer a smile and a few kind words to a stranger, forgive someone, and be kind. 

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