Marjorie Jean (Nadeau) Holzmeister
Share
Memorial Mass for Marjorie Jean (Nadeau) Holzmeister, 80, Lawrence, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS. Rosary will be said at 10:00 a.m. preceding the Mass. Inurnment will be at the Corpus Christi Columbarium. Jean passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after a long battle with cancer.
Jean was born May 8, 1939 in Sliver Lake, KS the daughter of Paul Edward and Roxie Marjorie (Mitchell) Nadeau. She was enrolled as a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, where she was aptly named WISHKOSE ‘Walking Strong,’ a name that exemplified her strong-willed personality throughout her life and her strength in battling her illness. She attended Rossville High School and Washburn University where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. She married Richard James Holzmeister on October 8, 1960 in Topeka, KS. He survives of the home.
Jean was a homemaker, a faithful and loving wife, and a proud mother and grandmother whose devotion to her family was unmatched. She showed her support for her loved ones whenever the opportunity arose, attending countless sporting events, celebrations, and other life-milestones for all 15 of her grandchildren. She never missed a high school or college graduation ceremony.
She was an active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church and a volunteer for various Catholic charities. A true Kansas sports fan, she was a Kansas City Royals supporter and devoted follower of Kansas University basketball. Jean was an active racquetball and later pickleball player, enjoying the fellowship as much as the games. She was also a talented seamstress who lovingly crafted quilts, clothes, pajamas and detailed Halloween costumes for her grandchildren.
A warm-hearted matriarch, she fostered a supportive and close-knit family environment filled with love, laughter, and card games. She regularly gathered family members from near and far around her home for holidays and special occasions. Jean especially loved the Christmas season, which always included her annual Christmas Eve family gathering, with grandkids looking forward to a new set of her hand-sewn pajamas and a unique tree ornament she had selected especially for each of them.
In addition to the love and adoration she shared with her family, Jean exemplified the meaning of unconditional love and respect throughout her 59 years of blissful marriage to her husband, Dick. During the many happy years they shared together, she set a wonderful and important example of a true partnership and a loving relationship for her children and grandchildren to aspire to. This environment of warmth and love she created and lived by will be carried on by her loved ones for generations to come. Jean will be greatly missed.
Other survivors include her daughter Jill ( Steve) Patton, Lawrence; three sons, Jeffery (Lea Ann) Holzmeister, Tempe, AZ, Scott (Deborah) Holzmeister, Gilbert, AZ, Jon (Michelle) Holzmeister, Overland Park, KS; 15 grandchildren; three sisters, Jeanette Lister, Edmond, OK, Sally Carnevale, San Mateo, CA, and Susan Nadeau, Shawnee, KS; and three brothers Michael Nadeau, Silver Lake, KS, David Nadeau, Rossville, KS, Dennis Nadeau, Rossville, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Corpus Christi Catholic School and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Jill, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember your mom as a fun, sweet lady.
It’s difficult to believe that sweet Jean has left Earth. An excellent racquetball player — always positive and peppy — and generous and loving in giving encouragement and sharing insights of parenting. We called her “Mother Superior.”. It was always uplifting to be with Jean.
Jill~ I am so sorry for your loss.
Your mom was so sweet. She will be missed. We send our love & condolences.
Dear Dick and family:
Thinking of you in your time of loss.
Jill, I feel very lucky to have known your incredible mom in our early years. She always made me feel so welcome. I cherish those memories…love you!
Jill and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers through this time and in the many days ahead. Char Arthur
Michelle and family
so sorry for your loss–losing a parent is tough any time, no matter the age or circumstances. my prayers are being offered for strength and peace for all of you
Michelle, Jon and family,
I am praying for your family to find strength during this difficult time. I am sorry for your loss. May God rest her soul.
To Dick and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our hearts and prayers.
I was so sorry to learn from Marsha about Jean. Her passing will be felt by so many people, evidence of a life well lived. My condolences to Dick and family.
I attended grade school and high school with Jean. We shared many good times together as well as school activities. I lost track of her when she married and I followed my husband in the military. She had a wonderful laugh. My sympathy to the family. LInda Hurley Hudson Class of 1958
I was 12 years old and Jean was 26 when I first met her. She was the best neighbor, role model and over time became one of my very best friends. Taught me much about life – wish I had been more attentive and could have learned more.