Jean Ellen Whelan

Jean Ellen (Cook) Whelan, 89, of Duluth, MN, passed away February 27th, 2024. She spent her final days at home surrounded by the love of her family looking out onto Lake Superior and listening to Willie Nelson albums. Jean was born March 1, 1934, in St. Paul, MN to Clifford and Bernice Cook. She graduated from Graceville High School and then Moorhead State Teachers College. In 1954, she met Clarence in Silver Bay, MN where she was hired to teach first grade. On August 28th, 1956, they were joined in marriage at St. Michael’s Church and together raised four children. In 1968, Jean and Clarence built their family home on the Northshore of Lake Superior where she spent time in her flower and vegetable gardens. Jean worked as the Director/Teacher of the St. Michael’s Raggedy Ann Pre-School. She had an abundance of patience for all, especially children. She shared her compassion for others by caring for those in need; volunteering for meals on wheels, St. Michael’s funeral lunch ladies, Used A Bit, and after retirement helping to rebuild Bayou La Batre, AL for a decade following Hurricane Katrina. Jean loved camping on the Sawbill Trail with friends, visiting national parks, knitting, birding, going to the “40”, fishing on Isle Royale, and closer to home; baking pumpkin pies, making “grandma jam” and eating chocolate. She considered her four children and their families her greatest accomplishment. She leaves a legacy of happiness, grace, and love of family.