Jeanne Lekovich

Too often in our lives, we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of compassion, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Jeanne Lekovich loved being around her family, spending her time being a wife and mother, and in later years, a grandmother. Her greatest joy in life was also her greatest blessing...her family.

In 1929 our country acknowledged the reality of the Great Depression, an aftermath of the stock market crash in 1928. The average annual salary for a person lucky enough to have a job was $1,236. Times were tough and living in this decade was a challenge. On a lighter note, this is the same year Walt Disney introduced Mickey and Minnie Mouse to the world, animated cartoon characters, who became well recognized and loved by children for decades to come. It was also the year Myron and Edna M. (Stroud) Sperry of Aurora, Illinois, were introducing their own little production to the world. A daughter, Jeanne, was born to the young couple on December 17, 1929.

Jeanne had a childhood typical for children born during these times. Myron and Edna were also blessed with a son, Jack. The children attended school in Illinois with Jeanne graduating from high school in the late 1940's. Jeanne had aspirations of becoming instrumental in the educational field and attended Northern Illinois Teachers College (now, Northern Illinois University). While in college, Jeanne met her future husband, Louis J. Lekovich. Over the period of several years, their love for each other blossomed and they were happily married on August 3, 1952.

The Lekovich’s were blessed with six children; four daughters, Dena, Mary, Amii and Kathy; and twin sons, Dan and Dennis. Jeanne was a good mother and a wonderful homemaker, devoted to caring for her family’s every need. She was supportive of the children as they grew and developed into caring people, venturing out into the world to start lives of their own. The family was saddened and overcome with grief when one of the twin boys, Dennis, died unexpectedly.

Jeanne’s daughters all married and had lovely families; Dena married Joe Rosebrock; Mary was joined in marriage with John Rogers; Amii became Mrs. Jay Schwartz and Kathy married Don Jones. The children made Jeanne and Louis proud grandparents and eventually presented them with a total of 12 grandchildren. Jeanne rejoiced in the births of her grandchildren and considered each of them as another incredible gift in her life. Jeanne and Louis looked forward to their visits so they could love and nurture their grandchildren; passing on their stories of how their moms and dads were as children. Jeanne would love to watch them experience life and see the wonderment in their eyes as they learned about the mysteries of life. During these times, Jeanne saw the world through the eyes of a child.

Jeanne was employed at the Lincoln Middle School as the secretary/nurse. She also coached the Girl’s Swim Team for over ten years before she retired from education. Jeanne lost the love of her life when Louis died in 1999.

Last summer, the family got together in Branson, MO; they all stayed in cabins and really enjoyed their time together. This was their last trip together as a family. They were thankful to have the time together as Jeanne was diagnosed with cancer shortly thereafter.

Jeanne Lekovich was a selfless and giving woman; a model of devotion and love. She was a special person who illuminated and touched many lives and will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

Jeanne M. (Sperry) Lekovich of Indianapolis died on Saturday, June 4, 2005. She is survived by her mother, Edna M. Sperry; children, Dan Lekovich, Dena Rosebrock (Joe), Mary Rogers (John), Amii Schwartz (Jay), and Kathy Jones (Don); and 12 grandchildren. She was preceded by her father; brother, Jack C. Sperry; and one of her twin sons, Dennis John Lekovich. Family and friends will gather on Monday, June 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Leppert Life Story Funeral Home, Nora Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 8:30 a.m. in the funeral home on Tuesday. Please visit Jeanne’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a personal memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society.