Jeanette “Pepper” DeHaan

“Pepper”

“

I had everything I needed. I am complete. Have a cup of tea and think of me…

Age 80, of Wilmington, Illinois, and formerly of Alsip, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, October 30, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Born March 10, 1946, in Sanborn, North Dakota, Jeanette was a daughter of George and Hazel Kendall. Affectionately known as “Pepper,” she was raised in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood, where she attended St. Cajetan School before graduating from Jones Commercial High School.

On September 25, 1965, Jeanette married Dennis DeHaan at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Chicago. Together, they made their home in Alsip, where they raised their sons and shared 36 years before eventually relocating to Wilmington, where Jeanette had resided for the past 13 years.

A devoted wife and mother, Jeanette always placed her family at the center of her life. In addition to caring for her home and family, she worked in the Medical Records Department at Evergreen Hospital and later at Dominick’s grocery store. She also served as a school crossing guard in Oak Lawn, a position she held prior to moving to Wilmington.

Pepper had a passion for collecting and particularly enjoyed browsing estate sales and garage sales, always on the lookout for another special find. Over the years, she gathered treasured collections of jewelry and teacups. An exceptional cook, she took great pleasure in preparing meals for others, collecting cookbooks, and watching cooking programs. She also enjoyed tending to her garden and appreciated the simple pleasure of a good cup of tea.

True to her nickname, Pepper was a firecracker, full of personality and never one to be overlooked. She was exceptionally organized, particular about the things that mattered to her, and had a way of keeping everything in its place. Above all, her greatest devotion was to her family, who remained her first priority throughout her life.

Pepper will be remembered for her spirited personality, the care she put into everything she did, and the love and dedication she gave so freely to those closest to her.

Perhaps the most meaningful reflection of Pepper’s life comes from her own words, which offer both comfort and a simple request to those she leaves behind:

“I had everything I needed. I am complete. Have a cup of tea and think of me…”

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Dennis; two sons: Dennis, Jr. (Karen) DeHaan of Wilmington and Darren, CPD (Belinda) DeHaan of Chicago; grandchildren: Sydney, Cassidy, Mackenzie, Dylan and Kaycee; sisters: Marian (the late Jim) Sinkus and Elaine (Bob) Modene; many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as dear friends: Cindy, Mary Ann, Donna and Deb.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents; son, Damon DeHaan in 2020, and one brother, William Kendall.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 3:00pm until time of memorial service, 6:30pm.

Inurnment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois at a later date.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Jeanette’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes ad Crematory. (815/476-2181)