Jeanne Martha Fairclough Schillinger

Jeanne Martha Fairclough Schillinger of Frelinghuysen, N.J., left this life peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2020, surrounded by her family at her home. She was 97.

Born in Paterson, N.J., Jeanne was raised in Hawthorne, N.J., and went on to receive her degree in Christian education from the Baptist Institute in Philadelphia.

Jeanne and her husband, Wes, lived for 37 years in Sparta, N.J., where they raised their family and were active in the First Presbyterian Church. They were also founding members of the Panther Valley Ecumenical Ministry. After designing and moving to their cherished Frelinghuysen home in 1988, they became dedicated members of the First Presbyterian Church of Blairstown, N.J. An avid reader, Jeanne shared her love of books and research during her time as assistant librarian at Newton High School. She belonged to a knitting club that sent sweaters to people in need, and she was an accomplished gardener and cook. In her later years, she was embraced by many who were drawn to her curiosity about the world and her determination to keep learning, keep caring, keep planting seeds. Above all else, she loved and celebrated her family and dear friends. Jeanne and her husband Wes, traveled extensively through their years together, visiting family and many beloved friends. Jeanne enjoyed family gatherings, visits from her children and grandchildren and believed in keeping tradition alive.

Jeanne considered her most important and meaningful role in life is that of being a mother and creating the fiber of a strong family. She lived for and loved her family and was the light and glue of it.

She is survived by her sons, Bruce and daughter-in-law, Mary, of Wantage, N.J., and Brian and daughter-in-law, Nina, of Clarks Summit, Pa.; daughter Gwen and son-in-law, Reg Corbett, of Apalachicola, Fla.; son-in-law Richard Papaccio of Hopewell Junction, N.Y.; and seven treasured grandchildren. Jeanne also had many cherished nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 70 years, John Wesley; and her beloved daughter Louisa Jeanne Papaccio.

Private graveside services are under the direction of F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, Franklin, N.J., at the Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, send memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.