Jeanne Nestor

Jeanne was born in East Chicago, IN, and grew up on Chestnut Street in Hammond. She graduated from Hammond High School before meeting and marrying the love of her life, Mike, in 1950. Together they settled in Highland, IN, where they raised their family and shared a beautiful life until his passing in 2010.

She is survived by her devoted children, Christopher Nestor, Brian Nestor, Heather (David) Sher, and Jessica (Ron) Johnson; her cherished sister, Buckett (Mickey) Pendley; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Jeanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Nestor, Jr.; their son, George Nestor; her brother, Robert Lewry; her sister, Marge Smolinski; and her parents, Marie and George Lewry.

She began her career at Sinclair Oil Refinery and later worked at LTV Steel in the Tin Roll Division, retiring in 1995. Jeanne had a spirit full of curiosity and adventure. A passionate world traveler, she explored destinations many only dream of—Israel, Egypt, England, Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia, Italy, France, Switzerland, Spain, Morocco, Mexico—and most especially, Greece, her favorite. Whether with her sisters, her grown children, or sometimes solo, she was always ready for the next journey.

Her sense of adventure extended to family road trips across the United States. Jeanne organized unforgettable camping excursions to national treasures like the Smoky Mountains, the Grand Tetons, the Badlands, and Mount Rushmore.

For more than 60 years, Jeanne was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church of Highland. She served as a Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir, and rang bells—always giving her time and heart to her community.

In her final years, she was cared for with deep love and devotion by her daughters, Heather and Jessi. Jeanne had an unmatched zest for life. She lit up every room she entered, was incredibly stylish, made fast friends wherever she went, and was truly a force of nature. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Jeanne’s remarkable life will be held at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN 46322 on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a service at 5:00 p.m.

Donations in her honor may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Highland.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the Nestor family.