In 1965, they loaded up the kids and all their possessions in the old black Studebaker (often referred to as The Batmobile) and left Connecticut to start a new adventure 1300 miles away in Louisville, MS. Many happy years were spent there before work would again move them. First to Illinois, then to Lawrence MS, then to New Jersey, until finally coming back home to Louisville where they have lived since 1985.
Jeannette was known to many by a variety of names. Since she was the baby of the family, her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews called her by (what we were told), the French word for little, "TeeTee". Dad never called her by her given name; he always called her Kitten. Her friends called her Jan and her CB radio handle was Mama Meatball. To her grandchildren she was Gramma or Grammy (although she was jokingly called Grandma Fluffy after two of the grandkids gave her a magnet with a sheep declaring "Ewes not fat, ewes fluffy").
Her sense of humor was playful and mischievous, but never mean, and her smile and laugh were infectious. She loved people, loved music, loved to cook (especially for a party) and was known for her delicious meatballs (hence the name Mama Meatball).
Jeannette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, but above all this, she was an obedient servant to God. She loved her church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where her love of Our Lord Jesus Christ was evident by her prayers, her presence and her love and acceptance of all who worshiped there. She even volunteered to teach English to the Spanish speaking congregation and took Spanish herself in order to better communicate with them. She was generous to a fault with anyone she encountered in need and truly personified being the hands and feet of Jesus for as long as she was able.
Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Henry Thibault and Paul Thibault, along with sisters Irene Wilcox and Germaine Dembkoski.
Jeannette leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Christian Jauch, son Christian Jauch, Jr. of Peru IL, daughter Kathy Pickett of Madison MS, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Timothy Estes, the exceptional staff at Chadwick Nursing & Rehabilitation, Camellia Hospice and the endless number of friends and family who have prayed during this transition to eternity. Jeannette Marie Thibault Jauch has earned her heavenly wings and we praise God for welcoming her home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 31, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Louisville MS, with visitation one hour prior to the service, also at the church. A private burial at Memorial Park Cemetery will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Alzheimer Mississippi, 855 S. Pear Orchard Rd., Suite 501, Ridgeland MS 39157, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 410 N Spring Ave, Louisville MS 39339 or charity of your choosing.
Serving as pallbearers will be Brian Stevenson, Drew Hayslett, Josh Smith, Larry Veazey, Mike Towne and Speedy Calvert.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
