Jeanne was born in London, England. Her father, at the time was a police officer and her mother was a housekeeper and care giver. Jeanne lived in London until the outbreak of World War II when, during the bombing of London, she was sent to live with family in the countryside of England, specifically to the town of Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. She grew up there eventually going to work at a local military base as a young woman. There she met Corneles “Neil” Vandergraaf, a young American airman of Dutch descent. They were married in 1951 and spent the next twenty years of his military career moving back and forth from America to Europe. Living in Texas, France, Virginia, Holland, North Dakota and finally retiring from the military in the Washington, DC area.
Jeanne, while raising three children, worked continuously to support the household as a restaurant hostess, telephone operator, bookkeeper to name a few. All the while her talent as a seamstress, knitter and needle pointer became well known. Her skill was admired and she was always making something for someone if not for her children.
In 1988 Jeanne and Neil retired to Charleston, South Carolina as they had always loved being by the ocean. Jeanne became a member of her local Episcopal Church and member of the Daughters of the King. Her needle point was exhibited locally and at the South Carolina State Fair.
After Neil passed, in 2006, Jeanne moved to Vacaville, California. She joined Epiphany Episcopal and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She passed away peacefully on July 24, 2024.
Jeanne is preceded in death by Neil Vandergraaf, her brother Peter and Wyn Ward, sister-in-law. She leaves four children, Robin, Robert, Gillian and Diane as well as seven grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.
Visitation will be on Friday, August 9th from 4-7 PM at McCune Garden Chapel.
Services will be held at Church of the Epiphany on Saturday, August 10th at 2PM.
