Jeanne P. Kipp (née Petracek), age 87, of Western Springs, IL. Beloved wife of the late James R. Kipp. Loving mother of James R. (Susan Paul) Kipp Jr. of Dallas, TX; Mark A. (Kathy Baney-Kipp) Kipp of Noblesville, IN; and Robert A. (Jingjing Liu) Kipp of Hinsdale, IL. Proud grandmother of Stephen, Meredith, Andrew, Michael, Adam, Julia, Kirk Baney, Erik Baney & Kelsey Baney. Cherished aunt and friend of many. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Elsie Petracek.
Jeanne loved teaching. After graduating from DePauw University (1957), she taught for several years within the Proviso High School system. While raising a family in the early ‘70s, she extended her teaching portfolio by becoming a yoga instructor. When her boys grew into high school and college ages, she started teaching math at The Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, a career that would continue for over 20 years. She had a creative approach to her classroom, using origami and other crafts to teach geometry concepts. She also coached the MATHCOUNTS team, leading the school to two national competitions and one second-place finish.
Jeanne was always busy in her community, serving on the boards of the Western Springs Music Club, the local women’s club, and school association and board. An avid reader and news buff, she loved participating in her current events discussion group. She regularly attended musical performances and plays in the area and actively supported her Alpha Chi Omega sorority chapter. When she wasn’t out socializing, she could be found at home with a book or the daily crossword puzzle.
A memorial visitation will be held 11am until time of service at 2pm on Saturday, April 29th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate are encouraged to contact Hillsdale College (hillsdale.edu).
Service Info: 708-352-6500
Even as we grieve the loss of our dear friend, we celebrate a beautiful life, filled with love and lived to the fullest. You made the world a better place, and you will always be with us.
Ryan, Leila, and Geoffrey
We all loved Jeanne in the OakBrook Library Discussion Group. She was one of the best read members and could always bring insight into our topics. We miss her greatly but know she is at peace with our Maker. She loved life and the arts and people!
Nancy and David Hayden
For those of us who knew and loved Jean only as our child’s teacher, may I salute her exceptional kindness, intellect, and memorable spirit of excellence that continues to inspire. Such a privilege to have watched her goodwill and good work.
She was a very good teacher and set an excellent foundation at ACS
I loved Jeanne, she was always a positive person, it was fun to be with her. RIP.
A wonderful teacher and a kind person! You will be remembered, Mrs. Kipp!
Mrs. Kipp was my math teacher at Avery Coonley before I graduated in ’95 and I remember her having us build bridges with straws, which doesn’t sound like a math thing, but it was! So the origami thing sounds just right 🙂 I am sad to hear this news. May she still know, wherever she is, that she had an influence. Not every teacher is remembered all this time later by his or her students, and she is definitely remembered by me.
Love, Jessie Tennis ’95
Mrs. Kipp was my math teacher at Avery Coonley before I graduated in ’95 and I remember her having us build bridges with straws, which doesn’t sound like a math thing, but it was! So the origami thing sounds just right. I am sad to hear this news. May she still know, wherever she is, that she had an influence. Not every teacher is remembered all this time later by his or her students, and she is definitely remembered by me.
Love, Jessie Tennis ’95
Jean was a gift to her profession
Our family knew her as our children’s teacher
She was a kind and caring person
It was a privilege to have known her
The Krol family
Jeanne was very special to me and my sisters. She and her mom and dad would visit us in Chicago and we all enjoyed being with her. Now and then Jeanne would sleep over and go to Sunday School and church with us. It was fun having her.
I thank Jeanne for always having been so pleasant, considerate, and nice to us all. She was a blessing.
Love, Cousin Shirley
I had the privilege of teaching with Jeanne at the Avery Conley School in Downers Grove where she was held in highest esteem. We also played bridge and tennis together. She was so proud of her son Bob, his wife Jing Jing, and their little boy. She was a great person and I will miss her. It was my honor to have known her and to call her my friend. May she Rest In Peace.
Susie Purser
Jeanne and my mom were friends from Western Springs and my mom always spoke highly of her. May she rest in peace and her family be comforted.
Simply the best . . . her laughter reverberates in my heart. Godspeed, my friend.