Margaret J Christopher

Margaret Jeannette Christopher, AKA Jeannette-Aunt Nettie went to heaven on Monday March 9, 2026, with family by her side, at Alpine Fireside where she had been residing for the last 6 years. Jeannette was the oldest of five children being born to Leo Christopher and Hazel (Murray) Christopher. Jeannette was born on December 10, 1927, in Shullsburg, Wisconsin.

In 1935 she lost her mother and her infant brother a month apart. It was a very sad time for their family. Her brother Jim, and sisters Mary and Betty lived without a mother from then on. Their mother's family wanted to split the children up but their father Leo said no, so they were left to fend for themselves, a lot. Jeannette being the oldest thought they should have donuts for dinner and they did. What more could a kid ask for? They were poor but they were rich, they had each other!

After graduating from high school, Jeannette went to live with one of their mother's sisters in Janesville. Jeannette worked for the phone company there and then proceeded to go work for General Motors in Janesville. She worked in the office until they let her go when she was 45 years old. Prior to her being let go, Jeannette was a fashionista. Weekends were her clothes shopping days; she even purchased a fur wrap. Not sure it was ever worn.

Jeannette liked nice things, she had the best. She purchased nice furniture, name brand, Queen Ann style. Her bedroom ensemble had a canopy and had wheels under the chest of drawers and dresser for easy moving. The wheels made it easy to move the units for cleaning! This was an added touch for someone who lived alone.

She loved to cook. She tried new recipes whenever she could, we were her taste testers, she was the one who introduced our family to, green bean bake, corn flake crusted chicken and chocolate haystacks. In her later life she would cut out recipes knowing perfectly well that there was no way that she was ever going to make these. This was one of her relaxing pleasures.

She was a gentle soul, a firm believer in Christ. She did adorations for years at her church in South Beloit. Before Jeannette moved into assisted living, she was donating to probably 15 organizations.

She lived alone except for her two cats. Biff first and then Brandi, they were her TV watching companions. They provided low purrs that filled the quiet evenings.

In her younger years she traveled with her sister, Mary. Some of her trips included her four nieces and nephews. In 1967 Jeannette purchased a brand new Chevy Camaro, seeing the USA in her Chevrolet! After a certain age she utilized the senior trips to accomplish further adventures, Hawaii being one of those experiences

Jeannette enjoyed playing cards, teaching her family the game of Shanghai Rummy. This game was played at many family gatherings, including the in-laws.

She loved to read, having stacks of papers and magazines, saving them, because she may have missed something the first time around.

Aunt Nettie never had a bad thing to say about anyone or anything. Rest in Peace beloved Aunt Nettie.

Preceded in death by parents: infant brother John Christopher, brother James Christopher, sisters Mary Worley and Betty Heid , brother-in-law, Alan Heid.

Survivors: Nieces, Terri A. Dull, Jill (Eathel) Burrow, Nephews, Jeff and Christopher Heid, great niece, Rebecca Dull, great nephews, Jason ( Nichole Crane) Dull, Jesse (Perla Cavazos) Burrow, Thomas Burrow, who had a special place in Aunt Nettie’s heart and great great niece Rosalinda Burrow.

Special thanks to the staff at Alpine Fireside including the Therapy Department, Shosie (Nettie is riding that bike).
Special appreciation is extended to her niece Jill, for the many hours and years she dedicated her life to caring for Aunt Nettie.

Mass of Christian burial: March 26, 2026, 11:00 a.m. St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Avenue, Loves Park IL. Interment in St. Matthews Cemetery, Shullsburg, WI, will occur at a later date. A luncheon will follow the funeral ceremony in the parish hall.