In Memory
Jeanette Lucille (Bowman) Spaulding
August 31, 1927 ~ January 20, 2021 (age 93)
Jeanette Lucille Spaulding, 93, of South Bend passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Memorial Hospital. She was born in Peru, IN on August 31, 1927 to the late Robert Edward Bowman and Jennie Elizabeth (Stokes) Bowman. On June 30, 1967, Jeanette was united in marriage to Donald Paul Spaulding at St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend. He preceded her in death on April 27, 2014, one month shy of his 87th birthday. They shared 50 wonderful years together.
Jeanette graduated from Riley High School in 1946. While in school, she was a member of the Riley Girl’s Athletic Association and the Riley Glee Club. After graduating, she was employed at the Indiana Bell Telephone Company in South Bend. Jeanette went on to work for the former Bendix Corporation and retired after 32 years on December 31, 1982. Her many diversified positions at Bendix included data center security officer and education, travel, and office management coordinator, where she reported to the corporate office in Southfield, MI. Her attention to detail qualified her well when planning and supervising renovations for the data center. She wore many hats and enjoyed each challenge that was presented to her.
She was known by her nickname, “Jay” since high school and it stuck with her throughout her life. Jeanette will be remembered by her family and friends for her bubbly personality, great sense of humor, fun-loving attitude, willingness to help others, and greeting everyone with a smile. She never met a stranger, and her home was always open to those who needed a friend.
Jeanette and Don’s lives were busy with travelling, maintaining their beautiful yard and garden, organizing and maintaining their home and hosting all holiday dinners for family and friends. They felt blessed with so many wonderful friends and neighbors that became family to them.
Jeanette enjoyed doing crafts, working on the daily crossword puzzle, and watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Notre Dame football. The most important years for Jeanette and Don were those spent caring for their elderly parents and many friends, with no regrets.
Jeanette enjoyed many faithful friendships during her active years as a member and secretary of the Michiana Corvette Club, American Kennel Club, Bendix Salaried Retirees Club, and many different singing groups including the Bendix Girl’s Chorus, Forever Learning Institute Chorus, Sweet Adelines, and Niles Garden City Chorus. Her love of music included dancing, singing, and playing the organ.
Jeanette was an avid animal lover. During her school years, her little white dog, “Bino”, was well known by neighbors and friends. She devoted much of her life caring for animals, especially training her beautiful German Shepherd, “Kim of Whispering Pines, CDX”, and preparing him for confirmation and obedience for many dog shows. She was so grateful her wonderful neighbors were willing to share their dogs, a Westie named “McDuff”, a Shih Poo named “Daisy”, and a Shih Tzu named “Phoebe”.
In addition to her parents and husband, Jeanette is preceded in death by her stepfather, Kenneth Oakes, who lovingly raised her; sister, Ellen Jane Johnston; and brother-in-law, Orlow Johnston. Jeanette was the only survivor of her generation in her family. She is survived by a loving nephew, Larry (Evelyn) Johnston of Elkhart, IN; great-nieces, Cynthia (Richey) Milburn of South Bend, IN and Jennifer Joachim of Osceola, IN; great-nephew, Scott (Kelly) Johnston of South Bend, IN; great-great-nieces, Danielle and Haley Johnston; and great-great-nephew, Devon Milburn. She is also survived by Don’s brother, Bernard Spaulding, Sr.; nephews, Bernard Spaulding, Jr. and Robert Spaulding; and cousins Karen (Steve) Morgan and Ed (Gerry) Reynolds. Jeanette leaves special love and thanks to Joe and Judi Bucker for their love and devotion to her.
A funeral service for Jeanette will be held at 11 AM on Friday, January 29, 2021 at Palmer Funeral Homes-Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Rd., South Bend, IN 46635. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger, IN, where Jeanette will be laid to rest next to her loving husband, Don.
Contributions in memory of Jeanette may be made to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46544, or to Pet Refuge, 4626 Burnett Dr., South Bend, IN 46614.
Online condolences can be sent to Spaulding family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeanette Lucille (Bowman) Spaulding, please visit our floral store.
01.24.2021 djb
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