Jeanne Giraud Munk passed away peacefully at home 9 days short of her 94th birthday. She was born on February 20, 1920 to Catherine Larralde Giraud and Pierre Leon Giruad. She was the oldest child of French immigrant parents who came to this country in search of the American Dream. She was raised in Price, Utah with her siblings, Pete, Katie, and Emil Giraud.
Jeanne married her sweetheart and lifetime companion, Howard, on June 25, 1940. Together they raised 8 children, nurturing them in love and safety. She and Howard worked as partners in a variety of family businesses until Howard retired. She was fiercely practical and no nonsense as she worked tirelessly behind the scenes to provide for her family. She loved flowers, live plants, bowling, painting, and playing cards. At 93, she could still beat you at Rummy! Her wit and keen sense of humor delighted and lifted those around her.
Raised during the Depression, Jeanne was a pack rat, and her home spilled over with little treasures she couldn't bear to part with. The front door was always open with plenty of room at the table and something cooking on the stove. Jeanne had a sweet tooth, and her grandkids loved to visit knowing they could find a treat in the back room or ice cream in the freezer. It didn't matter if it might spoil their dinner because "Grandma said we could."
Jeanne was a devout Catholic and taught CCD for 20 years at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church preparing students to receive Communion. Her children embraced her deeply rooted values. "There's a right way and a wrong way, " she said, "And the right way is usually not the easy way." How true.
When Howard passed away, Jeanne and her son, Robert, cared for each other with humor and determination. Robert accepted the challenges of managing medicine, doctor visits, caregivers, and the ups and downs of life's little emergencies while working full time and managing the household. He resolutely carried out his mother's wishes to remain at home surrounded by the things she loved. Robbie was a blessing and a comfort to her.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Howard, her parents, her sister and brothers, and one grandchild. What a grand reunion! She is survived by her children: Leon (Carol) Munk, Emerette (Jon) Atzet, Richard (Brenda) Munk, Peter (Pauline) Munk, Margaret (Randy) Van Ness, David (DiAnne) Munk, Michael (Lori) Munk, and Robert Munk. She was blessed with 21 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held Monday, February 17, 2014 at 6:00 PM, followed by a Eulogy and Rosary at 7:00 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 So., Sandy, Utah. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM (viewing at 10) on Tuesday, February 18, at Saint John the Baptist, 11800 So. 300 E, Draper, UT. Interment: Redwood Memorial Estates, 6500 So. Redwood Road.
Thanks to the many caregivers who supported our family: Applegate, CareSource, and Danville home care services.
