Jeanne M. (Rouleau) Gilbert, age 57, of North Hudson, WI, passed away on  September 4, 2016 at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jeanne was born on May 30, 1959 in St. Paul, MN to William and Lois (Buchanan) Rouleau. She grew up in a rambunctious household in Hudson, WI, with her six brothers and three sisters. She met Chet Gilbert while babysitting for his sister and, on June 1, 1977, a few short days following her graduation from Hudson High School, she flew her very first airplane ride to Nevada in order to marry the love of her life at a cathedral in Reno. After living in Reno, NV, Fresno, CA, and then Altoona, WI, the family relocated back to Hudson, WI, where they were blessed with their son, Gordon. It was there that Jeanne began working at Fortis Financial Group in Woodbury, MN specializing in insurance benefits. Following her time with Fortis, she successfully cofounded a software startup company, where she patented an employee-benefits software. She was cofounder of the startup for twelve years until her health declined. 

Jeanne was an avid reader, sometimes reading two or three books a week. She loved watching home renovation shows on HGTV and a crime drama on I.D., and she was especially fond of shows about family values. She was a big animal lover, and the family had special ties to their late Yorkie, Stanley, who was a loving support to the family when Chet was ill. Jeanne was an amazing caregiver to Chet, and Stan was there too, nursing the family through the long process of recovery. Jeanne also had a green thumb; she took great pride in tending to her perennial gardens, a hobby she tried lovingly to pass on to Chet over the years. In 1977, she was also awarded the honor of Pepperfest Princess, but was in Reno for her wedding, so she was unable to participate in the festivities. 

Family was Jeanne’s love. Chet and Gordon were her life, and spending time with her family were the moments she most treasured. She shared the love she had for them through her cooking and food, hosting Christmas every year to her large, 30+ membered family. Not only was her family blessed with her caring and loving touch, but even those not related had the privilege of receiving her love. She was known as the “Neighborhood Grandma” as all of the neighborhood kids came to her door for her yummy snacks and listening ear. If Jeanne had a friend, she had a friend for life; a friend she always treated as family.  All those in her life will miss her warm heart, and caring and loving nature. 

Jeanne is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Chet; her son, Gordon; her mother, Lois Rouleau; siblings: Cathy Chavez, Bill Rouleau, Teresa (Steve) Haugen, Fran (Richard) Jacobs, Nick Rouleau, John (Jani) Rouleau, Jim (Kerry) Rouleau, and Tim Rouleau; honorary sister, Shelly Fuller; special friend, Edie Kinney; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her father, William Rouleau; her brother, Richard Rouleau; and brother-in-law, Benjamin Chavez. 

A Visitation will take place from 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, followed by a service at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. 

“It’s okay if people cried for me, because I knew they cared. But now, celebrate me home.”