Jean Marie Gottardo

Jean Marie Gottardo July 1st, 1937 to October 10th, 2021 Jean Marie Gottardo, age 84, passed away peacefully at home in Grant Park, IL on October 10th, 2021, with her loving her husband of 42 years, George Gottardo, at her side. 
 Jean was born in Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, on July 1st, 1937 to Fairey and Milton McClendon. She was raised in Homewood Acres and was the first of four siblings. She graduated from Breman High School in 1955 and she studied to be a pharmacist before starting a family. Jean worked at Helen’s Pizza, in Momence for over 20 years. She loved cooking, reading, gardening, and singing in both her church choir and local theatre. She was proud member of the United Methodist Church (UMC) since 1984 and dedicated her life to service, including leading Sunday School and the United Methodist Women. She also was a frequent literiguist and delegate for the UMC. She loved participating in the Christmas Cantata and decorating the church for the Holidays, everyone would look forward to her Christmas cookies that she would bake by the dozens. 

Jean never met a stranger and made friends everywhere she went. She had huge heart and loved to brighten people’s days. She would spend her spare time creating beautiful gardens in her acre of land and baking huge meals for family and friends. She was avid reader and was on first name basis with every librarian at her local library, her favorite book and movie was Gone With the Wind. She passed down her love of reading to her daughter Gina and her love of music to her daughter Shari. Jean is survived by her husband George Gottardo; Her children Jerry Moorhouse, Shari Moorhouse, John Moorhouse, and Gina Gottardo; Her siblings Helen Barrionuevo and Alyce Morgan; Her grandchildren Codi Moorhouse, John Moorhouse, and Anna Grace Moorhouse. She was predeceased by her parents Fairey and Milton McClendon, and her brother Pete McClendon. Visitation will be held from 9am until the memorial service at 11am on Saturday, October 16th, 2021 at the Manteno Methodist United Church. 

Memorial Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.