Jeannette Clara Dansberry
May 12, 1936 - August 12, 2015
Obituary
Dansberry, Jeannette Conrad (Nelson)
MADISON/LYNNWOOD, WASH.-Jeannette Conrad (Nelson) Dansberry, age 79, died Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015, in Lynnwood, Wash., surrounded by the love of family and friends. She led a vibrant life full of love, laughter, and curiosity. Jeanette never met a person she didn't want to talk to; a child she didn't love; an exotic food she wouldn't eat, or a coupon she wouldn't clip. She possessed the courage to raise two kids on her own, and the strength to deal with life's challenges. Jeanette had an abundance of kindness and compassion, and ever championed the underdog. She devoted her life to helping those in need both in her personal and professional work. Jeanette held leadership positions with Parents Without Partners, the Dane County Mental Health Association, the Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group and AARP. Her entire career was spent working for the State of Wisconsin in various capacities at the Mendota Mental Health Institute, Wisconsin's PACT program, Elderly Mental Health Services and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. In death, Jeanette continues to give, having donated her body to science so others could learn and with the hope that strides might be made in curing the Alzheimer's disease that took a little bit of her life every day for the past 11 years. Born in St. Louis, Mo., she attended Southwest High School, Missouri Valley College and Washington University, where she received a degree in occupational therapy. Jeanette is survived by her daughter, Deborah R. Nelson; son, Eugene J. Nelson; daughter-in-law, Theresa Blaser; and brother, Louis Conrad. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association via the Jeannette C. Dansberry Tribute Page (link to http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=297496) or the Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
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Memories
CW
Christine Wolf
Other •
So sorry to hear about Jeannette's passing. May you find comfort in knowing she touched many people's lives. I had a chance to know her when I worked at DHFS. She was passionate about ensuring the best services for vulnerable citizens. We worked together on mutual interests; in particular, elder abuse and long term support, and the wonderful program known as community options. She always went above and beyond duty to help her colleagues on behalf of the program's serving our vulnerable citizens. I'm happy she found a great opportunity in her last years at DHS; as a DVR supervisor. Many folks told me her staff loved her.
A colleague,
Christine Wolf
CK
Crystal Kauramaki
Other •
I worked with Jeannette for some time in DHFS and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity! Jeannette was a strong advocate for elders and people with disabilities and had few qualms about stating her views; I always respected her that. She was always supportive, knowledgeable and easy to work with, with a good sense of humor and genuine concern for all vulnerable citizens. May she rest in peace, knowing her efforts were not in vain.
SH
Shirley Haidinger
Other •
I lived next door to Jeanette on E Gorham St.. She was a nice person and a good neighbor. I missed her when they moved. My condolences to her family.