Jeanne M. Hope

February 15, 1938 - March 7, 2026

Jeanne Hope, 88, died Saturday, March 7th, in the presence of loved ones. She was greatly loved by her children, grandchildren and their families. The daughter of Lowell and Anna Rice, Jeanne was born on February 15th, 1938 in Webster Groves, Missouri. On June 20th, 1959 she married Jerry L. Hope in Webster Groves, at the South Webster Presbyterian Church. In 1971 Jeanne and Jerry moved to the Fox Valley and raised their two children, Kristine and Paul in St. Charles. They resided in the same home for 55 years. They were members of the Fox Valley Presbyterian Church in Geneva, Illinois, where Jeanne served as a Deacon, and member of the church choir. She was a graduate of Northern Illinois University, with a degree in Education, and did her student teaching in Wimbledon, England. A great lover of music, Jeanne sang with various groups including the Naperville Chorus and the Misty River Music Makers, in addition to the church choir. Jeanne loved to travel, and she and Jerry explored exotic locations including the beaches and rainforest of Costa Rice, Belize, and Grand Cayman Island. They also joined an expedition aboard a research vessel, the Wind Dancer off the coast of the Dominican Republic where Jeanne swam in the ocean with whales. Jeanne and Jerry were avid bird watchers and members of the Kane County Audubon Society for decades. Jeanne’s career in Education spanned work as a teacher with Davis School in St. Charles, Kinder Care, and other locations in the Fox Valley as a substitute teacher. Jeanne was a helper, as Fred Rogers would say, and cared deeply about her friends, family, and community. Her kindness was recognized by all who knew her, as was her joyful laugh. Survivors include daughter, Kristine Hope Binder and husband Jim Binder, son Paul E. Hope and wife Vanessa (Buono) Hope, and their children – her granddaughters, Julianna Natalia Hope and Emily Ann Hope. And, her loving pup, Gracie. She was predeceased by her husband, Jerry L. Hope (1936-2019), and brothers, Richard and James. The funeral service will be held at 11am, Saturday, March 14th at Fox Valley Presbyterian Church: 227 East Side Drive, Geneva, Illinois 60134, with the Reverend Michelle Hwang officiating. Interment will be at North Cemetery, St. Charles. Family and friends will gather for a visitation from 5pm-8pm Friday, March 13th at Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva, 1771 W State Street.Guest BookShareEmailPrint