Jeanne Larsen Mackey

Jeanne passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 22, 2021. She was greeted at the gates of heaven with open arms by her parents, Dave and Thelma Larsen; her sisters Ruth, Helen and Lois; and the love of her life, her husband, Leon G. Mackey.

Jeanne was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and attended the University of Utah. During her summers, she worked at Bryce Canyon enjoying the southern Utah playground where she hiked The Grand Canyon rim to rim in the moonlight, rafted the Colorado River and climbed the Rainbow Bridge. She spoke of this fun time throughout her life. She met Leon during this time and the two were married in 1957. They eventually moved to Tucson where they raised four daughters; Sara Jo, Melissa, Mary Lynne and Suzanne.

Jeanne had a successful career as a travel agent for Browne’s Travel, Century Travel and then Bon Voyage. Jeanne found her love for travel and it took her all over the world, with or without Leon, often with friends, she was always up for the next adventure. Riding camels in Egypt, traipsing the Great Wall of China, cruising the Danube River, visiting The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi or searching for Ping on the Yangtze River, she loved it all. In addition to travel, Jeanne also had a passion for church, family and friends.

Jeanne was simply beautiful. Her daughters live their lives in awe of their mom’s adorable style and zest for adventures and friendships. Her smile and radiance shined in everything she did. She loved to shop and loved all things that reminded her of Christmas, particularly Santa Clauses. Wherever she traveled, she collected ornaments and decorations. Her daughters will always be able to look at their Spode and Waterford collections and think of their beloved Mom.

Jeanne, always the hostess, loved having people over but nothing delighted her more than the sound of her grandchildren playing and visiting. She formed a special bond with each grandchild and loved being a grandmother more than anything. The grandchildren considered her home “the fun house”.

After 63 years of marriage, Jeanne lost the love of her life as Leon passed away April 2020. Their devotion and commitment to each other is a loving gift to their family. Jeanne is survived by her adoring daughters, grandchildren (Kristin, Jeni, Alex and Kyle), great grandchildren (Adrienne and Oscar), nieces and nephews, as well as numerous friends, including Anneliese, Sue, Susan, Betty, Wayne, Emery and Val. Jeanne will truly be missed but will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and caregivers at The Auberge at Scottsdale who surrounded her with love and care, as well as, nurses at Hospice of the Valley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BrightFocus Foundation- Alzheimer's Disease Research (www.brightfocus.org).