Obituary of Jean Marie Rankin

Jean Marie Rankin (nee Kwapick) died peacefully in her sleep on March 13, 2022.  Jean was born on February 17, 1934 in Brooklyn, NY.  She was preceded in death by her parents (Frank Stanley Kwapick and Frances Genevieve Kwapick), her beloved brother Frank (who died in World War II), and her husband Owen Rankin.

Jean had an eternally optimistic outlook on life driven in large part by her strong faith.  She met adversity with quiet composure and resolve.   She spent many years raising her 10 kids (as she would note in a conversation on ANY topic).  After that, she returned to college and finished her degree.   She also worked many years as office manager for Dr. Milbauer.  In her “spare” time, she went to any sporting event involving her children or grandchildren, and was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Catherine’s in Mountain Lakes, NJ.

Jean loved music her entire life.   From belting out the words to Joy to the World at midnight mass, to singing along to musicals, to joining her lunch companions in endless rounds of “Que sera, sera”, music colored her existence.  Many of her favorite songs comforted her during her final days.  She also enjoyed animals of any size or shape.  Her animal birthday parties at her senior facility were legendary (as was her willingness to get on the floor with any visiting dog).

Jean is survived by her children Jean (Jim), Owen (Michele), Susan, Nancy (Joe), Mark, Paul (Diana), Tricia (Jim), Matt (Heather), Lisa (Jason) and Laura (Scott) and her grandchildren Kevin, Mark, Zoë, Meghan, Joseph, Frances, Grace, Mia, Paul, Alexandra, Pierce, Sam, Theo, Miles, Felix, Noah, and Abby. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church at 15 Myers Ave, Denville NJ at 1:00 pm on Saturday April 2, 2022. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her name to “PetPals” an organization dedicated to helping seniors keep their pets (www.petpalssj.com/donate) or another animal rescue organization of your choice.