Jean M. (Hancock-Champaigne) Oesterreich

Jean M. (Hancock-Champaigne) Oesterreich, 63, longtime Superior resident, died Thursday, September 23, 2010 at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth following a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 8, 1947 in Hazel Green, WI to Harry and Gertrude (Kelly) Hancock.

Jean graduated from the former Cathedral High School and UWS and received her teaching degree.
She worked as a Pre K – 8th grade parent educator with the Superior School District, Teens Encounter Christ Director and also worked with CASDA and FEMA.

She married George F. Oesterreich on August 1, 1997 in Superior, WI and celebrated twelve years of marriage.
Jean was a former member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

She enjoyed traveling, golfing, reading and her family and friends. Her grandchildren and great-granddaughter were the light of her life who loved her to the moon and back. She also was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother.

Jean is survived by her husband, George Oesterreich; daughter Terri (Kraig) Kalan, Superior, WI; son Tom (Robbin) Champaigne, Duluth, MN; daughter Mary (Todd) Balcer, Superior, WI; brother John (Pat) Hancock, sister Janice (Reno) Berg and brother Steve (Darlene) Hancock; grandchildren Erica (Adam) Zielinski, Cameron Kalan and Sara Balcer; great-granddaughter Isabella Zielinski and many loving nieces and nephews; and her very special friends Tom and Cathy Champaigne.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Sunday, September 26, 2010 in the Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior with a scripture service to be held at 7:00 PM. Visitation will resume at 11:00 AM, Monday, September 27, 2010 in Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church and continue until the 12:00 PM Memorial Mass with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Solvay Hospice House.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Jean’s name to Solvay Hospice House.

To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.