Jeanne LaRose

Jeanne Louise Jahant LaRose, 87, passed away peacefully at home with her husband and family on November 23rd, 2016. She was a unique, beloved and respected person and one that knew how to mix and mingle with both the boys and girls in an era where that was not common. True to her era, she took tremendous care of her husband Tom and her five children. She raised her children with a firm grip and a soft heart. Jeanne was the epitome of mother and homemaker, volunteer and athlete. You can picture her very much the same as the television moms and wives of the 60's and 70's, June Cleaver, Donna Reed and others with a little Lucille Ball mixed in. Jeanne was the epitome of class, grace and dignity. She had the intelligence, wit and talent to have a successful career outside the home but she dedicated her life and love to Tom for over 65 years and her 5 children. She was a dedicated volunteer to St Thomas Hospital for decades and gave much time and resources to many causes and events her entire life. She attended grade school and high school at Our Lady of the Elms and she spent her college years at The University of Akron. Her husband and family were her first priority in life next to her faith. Running a close second, and some question that, was her love for her dogs, Chum, Mrs Skippy, Sud-z and of course Lady Bud. Jeanne loved to travel with Tom and she easily made friends all over the country and beyond wherever they would go. She was always there to support her father Charles Jahant in his role as one of the founders and Vice Presidents at General Tire and Rubber Company and her husband Tom in his family business, The House of LaRose. She had a passion for dancing and so loved music. Music would always fill her home. She could decorate a home and room as well as any professional in the industry. She loved her fashion and could dress up with the best but she had no problems dressing down in her 'at home' clothes and getting her 'fingernails dirty'. Jeanne loved her gardens and flowers and was always working to bring them to life. She enjoyed working behind the counter and with customers at The Tub and Towel Shoppe she owned with her daughter Ann. She had a passion for and quite a bit of talent in sports, especially golf. She especially loved watching and attending the games her children played in. According to those that sat next to her, you would think she was in the game. And oh how she loved her Browns! They didn't always love her back, but on Sundays, you needed to get out of the way. Nothing separated her from a Browns game. Sadly she didn't get to see the glory of a Brown's Super Bowl. But if and when it ever happens, her spirit will be right there on the field! We loved and laughed with Jeanne all our lives. Her family and all that loved her were fortunate to have her for 87 love and laugh-filled years. Being a woman of faith, we know it's now time for her to be with her God and those in her family that she missed that have passed before her, Mother and Father Anna and Charles Jahant, Sister Marianne, Brothers Bill, Charles (Chick) and John Jahant. She leaves behind her loving husband of 65 years Tom LaRose, Sisters Helen Jahant Sarvis and Ann Jahant Gillen and brother Tom Jahant. She also leaves behind Daughter Ann McIntyre (Will), Sons Tim (Lorrie), Frank, Mark (Marianne) and Jim (Joe'l) and her grandchildren Katherine, Sarah, Frank Jr, Tommy, Anthony, Rocco, Brianna, Nikki and Dani and her great grandchildren. From Tom and her children, we thank God and our good fortune for having Jeanne's love and support for so many years. We are fortunate, and now God, heaven and the family that passed before her are fortunate to welcome her to their world. We loved her in ours. She left behind a legacy of love. Rest well Mother. As you did in life, we know you'll get our next home ready, fully decorated, with music and flowers and full of love. Tom and Jeanne's family would like to acknowledge the loving, heartfelt care and professional support so selflessly given by her nurses Gwen Duchaine, January Seikel, Dianne Vishnia, longtime household managers Rosario Lopardo, Margarethe Stockdale and entire team at Akron Summa Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 9:30 AM at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 476 Mull Ave. Akron. Interment in Rose Hill Burial Park. The LaRose family will receive friends on Tuesday from 3-7 PM at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St. Akron. Donations may be made to the Tom and Jeanne LaRose Fund C/O the Akron Community Foundation, 345 West Cedar St. Akron, OH 44307.