Jeanne Rissi of Cascade Township, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025.
Jeanne grew up in the Gull Lake area, watching her brother race ice boats and spending countless hours with her beloved horse, Bill. She had a deep love for animals and dearly missed having one in her final years. Early in her life, Jeanne worked as a veterinary technician, a role that reflected her compassion and care, before devoting herself fully to raising her family on the Thornapple River, the home she shared with Doug, their children, and their dogs since 1975. It was a place filled with memories of water skiing, tubing, turtle “hunting,” and watching their family grow. Jeanne was especially great at creating EPIC holiday moments for her family.
After she and her husband Doug welcomed their children, Jeanne became involved at Pine Ridge Elementary School, generously giving her time and energy to the school community. She continued to volunteer after her own children had moved on, a reflection of her steady sense of responsibility and commitment. Jeanne was intelligent, observant, and quietly strong, someone who noticed details others missed and could read the emotional undercurrents of a situation with remarkable clarity. She valued honesty and had little patience for pretense, seeing through nonsense quickly, yet she carried herself with a calm, stoic presence that earned deep respect from those around her. She also treasured tradition, creating small but meaningful moments for her family—like homemade hot cocoa waiting on the stove after long afternoons of sledding—that made magical moments for her kids.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Doug Rissi; her brother, Thomas Pyle; her brother-in-law, Bruce Rissi; and her sister-in-law, Gloria Rissi. She is survived by her son, Scott (Hazel) Rissi; her daughter, Megan Rissi (Jeremy Burch); and her cherished grandchildren, Kristin and Eric. She is also survived by her sisters- and brothers-in-law: Kate Pyle, Marie (Jerry) Coffee, John Charles Rissi, Paul (Gayle) Rissi, Donn (Deb) Rissi, and Val Rissi. Jeanne leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, as well as her many friends—who were truly family to her—and the caring staff at Sentinel Pointe.
Jeanne especially cherished her Rummikub and Club 31 friends. She will miss them all dearly but looks forward to seeing them again.
In keeping with Jeanne’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will take place next summer. For details regarding the memorial gathering on July 12, 2026 (weather permitting), please contact je*****************@***il.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an animal-related charity of your choice.