Jeanne Marie Parkinson

Jeanne Marie Parkinson (Lange) of Grayling, MI passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ surrounded by her family, following a short but courageous battle with cancer. 

Jeanne is survived by her husband of 42 years Jeff, their children Tracy (Matthew) Mabel of Phoenix, AZ; Nicholas (Lizz) Parkinson of Madison Heights, MI; Scott Parkinson of Mesa, AZ; and grandchildren McKenzie, Max and Thor Mabel of Phoenix, AZ. 

Jeanne is also survived by her mother, Barbara Lange of Williamsburg, MI and her siblings, Mike (Bonnie) Lange of Grayling, MI; Jim (Jane) Lange of Grayling, MI; Rich Lange of Traverse City, MI; Patti (Kevin) Klobucar of Hilton Head, SC; Don (Diane) Lange of Arlington, TX; Pam (Mark) Witczak of Traverse City, MI and in-laws Gary Parkinson, Kay Lucksted, Kathy Parkinson, and Kim (Denise) Parkinson along with countless nieces and nephews. 

Jeanne was born in Pontiac, MI on November 2, 1960, the daughter of the late Raymond Lange and Barbara Lange (Lane). Their family moved to Grayling, MI in 1975. Jeanne graduated from Grayling High School in 1978 and from Ferris State College in 1982 with a degree in Journalism. Following her graduation from Ferris, she worked for a short time at the Crawford County Avalanche. 

In the fall of 1983, Jeanne married the love of her life, Jeff Parkinson, also of Grayling, MI. They relocated to Lansing, MI where she was employed by United Cable as Director of Marketing. Jeanne and Jeff returned to Grayling in 1988 where they raised their 3 children and worked for the family business for more than 35 years. She enjoyed working alongside her family in the business founded by her parents in 1975. 

Jeanne was a kind, caring, loving and dedicated wife, mother, Godmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She spent many years supporting her children in their faith as members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she and Jeff worked with the youth group. She also loved attending her children’s sporting events. Jeanne enjoyed traveling with family. Special memories were made during summer trips to Cedar Point, one epic RV adventure to Wisconsin and Christmas vacations in Arizona. Once the grandchildren arrived, travel was centered on attending their school events and soccer games. 

Per Jeanne’s request, a private funeral will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to donate to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Grayling, MI. The family is being serviced by Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.