Jeanne Zook

CHESHIRE-Jeanne Louise Zook, who was a friend and inspiration to all who knew her, died peacefully at MidState Medical Center in Meriden, Conn., on January 7. She was 96.

Jeanne was known for her infectious personality and positive outlook. She alwayshad a smile on her face and kind words for those she met. "It's amazing how wonderful life can be if you just make up your mind to be happy," she said recently.

Born to John and Marian Murphy on Nov. 8, 1917, in Birmingham, Mich., Jeanne graduated from Birmingham High School and then worked as a bookkeeper in a bank.

Her passion for aviation led her to take glider flying lessons, where she met her instructor, Elmer Zook. Elmer and Jeanne soon realized they had found their co-pilots in life, and they were married on Aug. 30, 1940, in Birmingham, Mich. They later moved to Massachusetts and eventually Cheshire, Conn., and together raised three children, who have spread around the world from New England to Michigan to New Zealand.

Though Elmer preceded her in death in 1985, Jeanne made the most of her remaining years, traveling to New Zealand numerous times, visiting with family and friends, and indulging her creative side. She enjoyed painting in various mediums, silversmithing, ceramics, and studying rocks. Jeanne always had a good book nearby and could spend hours at the bookstore. One of her favorite activities was rug hooking, and her expertise was shared with appreciative students of all ages. At least once a week, she and her students would gather for a night of "hooking," coffee, and camaraderie. She also taught at many camps over the years.

Jeanne's love of aviation and adventure extended throughout her life, and one of her last airborne adventures occurred when she flew in a hot air balloon to celebrate her 80th birthday.

Though her remarkable health began to fail late in life, Jeanne continued to focus on her many blessings. She moved to the Connecticut Baptist Home in Meriden three years ago, and though she had her share of aches and pains, she never dwelled on them, choosing instead to befriend staff and residents alike.

Jeanne is survived by her children: Barbara (Roger) Purchas of Palmerston North, New Zealand; Tom (Pat) Zook of Tekonsha, Mich; and John (Ethel Hills) of Hampton, NH; five grandchildren: Geoffrey (Julie Dalton) Purchas of Palmerston North, New Zealand; Christopher (Fiona) Purchas of Wellington, New Zealand; Jeanne (Harold) Kemp of Kinnelon, NJ; Christina (Don) Brown of Tecumseh, Mich.; Nancy Zook (David Beale) of New Fairfield, Conn.; eight great grandchildren; and many, many special friends.

Arrangements- Services to celebrate the life of Jeanne Louise Zook will be held in Cheshire at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, with the Rev. Jeffery Braun presiding. She will be laid to rest next to Elmer at Cheshire's Hillside Cemetery at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jeanne be made to the Connecticut Baptist Home, 292 Thorpe Ave, Meriden, CT 06450 or the First Congregational Church in Cheshire, 111 Church Dr, Cheshire, CT 06410.