Obituary of Jeanne Frances Sanford

Jeanne Sanford, 93, of Benton Harbor, passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Jeanne was born on March 19, 1928, to the late George and Pearl (Nicholas) LaVanway in Benton Harbor. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1946. Soon after Jeanne graduated she wed Russell Deckert and the two had four children, Melissa, David, Vern, and Mark. Jeanne was an expert typist in her younger years. She later put that skill to work with her massive, intricate, and hand-sewn quilts. Jeanne was an artist who enjoyed expressing herself through not only her detailed quilts but also through her music and painting; she could play the guitar, piano, and dulcimer. Jeanne later wed John Sanford and the two enjoyed many years together. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Sanford; daughter, Melissa Wojciechowski; and half-sister, Mary Hall. Jeanne is survived by her children, David Deckert of Oceanside, California, Vern Deckert of California, and Mark (Diane) Deckert of Stevensville, Michigan; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and close friends. In keeping with Jeanne’s wishes, she has been cremated and her family will be remembering her privately.