Jeanne M. (Plocher) Firestone

Our mother was a unique, extremely generous, and loving person. She was a voracious reader, politically-minded, and ahead of her time in most ways.

She wanted to share her love of reading and so devoted many years of her life to developing and utilizing a system called Fearless Phonics to teach both new readers and illiterate and dyslexic adults how to read. Mom loved to cook and was always trying out new and adventurous recipes on dinner guests. She always kept us on our toes with her outrageous, yet insightful commentary and she would have loved to end each day with a "Minnesota sized” slice of pie! Mom would do anything for her family - her grandchildren were very lucky to have had the experience of growing up with her for most of their lives. She considered her occupation to be "Philosopher."

Mom was predeceased by parents Edward B. and Ruth E. (Fink) Plocher and newborn brother Earl, as well by brother Edward (Pat), and ex-husband Alan Firestone. She is survived by daughters Deborah Firestone (husband Marc DesLauriers) of Portland, Maine, and Lisa (husband Gene) Cook of Greenlawn, NY, as well as by grandchildren Danielle, Nicole, Monica, and Brendan McCormack, and Olivia Cook, all of NY, and Anna DesLauriers of Boston. She is also survived by brothers Wilfred of Victoria, MN and Frederick (wife Mary Sue) Plocher of Marana, AZ, and sisters Dorothy Hill of Cottonwood, AZ and Marion (husband Roger) Olson of Apache Junction, AZ and Milaca, MN. Also mourning her loss will be her beloved sister- and brother-in-law Lois and Gerald Sanderoff of NY, and numerous nieces and nephews around the country.

Mom was a beautiful, intelligent woman and a talented artist with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. She was sharp to the end. A person like you cannot be replaced. You will be in our thoughts every day.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in mom's memory to Christen Foundation c/o Beacon Hospice, 54 Atlantic Place, So. Portland 04106. It is staffed by angels. Another suggestion: American Lung Association.