Jeanne List Kearney

Jeanne List Kearney, a resident of San Diego since 1955, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022, age 95. She died peacefully at home with her three sons, William, Thomas, and Neil at her bedside.

Jeanne has now joined her husband, Frank Kearney. They shared 64 years of loving marriage. In addition to her three sons, Jeanne Kearney is survived by three grandchildren: Kyle, Corey, and Claire, and a dear cousin, Gwen Keller. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Caitlin.

Jeanne Kearney was born November 23, 1926, in Marion, Indiana. She graduated from Indiana University in 1948, where she was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority. The daughter of a US Navy Captain, after graduation Jeanne joined the WAVES and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, before resigning in order to marry Frank Kearney, then a Lieutenant in the Navy.

The story goes that Jeanne met Frank after he was called onto the office of Jeanne’s boss, the Norfolk Harbor Defense Commander, to explain an accident that occurred while docking a ship under Frank’s command. Frank’s honesty and intelligence persuaded the Commander that he was blameless. Frank’s generous heart and beautiful blue eyes persuaded Jeanne of much more.

Jeanne Kearney was a homemaker, raising her three sons with love, endless care, and delicious meals. A devoted Catholic, she sang in the Sacred Heart Church choir in Ocean Beach for many years.

After her sons grew up, Jeanne decided to keep busy by becoming a bookkeeper for various service stations in the Point Loma area. Her sons could not resist giving her the nickname “Lube Room Mama”.

Will, Tom, and Neil would like to thank the caregivers who enabled Jeanne to live happily at home in her final years. Will and Neil are very grateful for the tireless leadership work done by Tom and his wife, Kathy, organizing this care.

After a rosary at 9:30, a funeral Mass for Jeanne Kearney will be celebrated on Thursday, May 19th at Saint Agnes Church, 1140 Evergreen Street, in San Diego. A reception at the adjacent Church Hall immediately follows. On Wednesday, May 25th, at 3:00 pm, a committal service for Jeanne will be held at Miramar National Cemetery. A plot for Jeanne has been reserved next to the one of her loved and loving husband Frank.

Memories and sympathy for the Kearney family may be shared at www.BeardsleyMitchell.com.