Jeannine Whalen, 93, of Elkhart, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Elkhart, IN on August 14, 1930, to the late Donald and Mildred Helen (Fisher) Defreese.

Jeannine is also preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Whalen and son, David Juday. She is survived by her daughters, Debra Ludlow, Donna Juday, and Jacki (Fred) Williams; grandchildren, Jessica DeVincent, Monica DeVincent, Brittany Axell, Samantha Axell, and Anthoney Gonzalez; 10 great grandchildren; several cousins; and loving canine companion, Cocoa.

In accordance with Jeannine's final wishes, she donated her body to the Anatomical Education Program at Indiana University in Indianapolis. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 11 a.m. to noon at Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart. A celebration of life service will follow at noon with Sister Nora Frost of Grace Lutheran Church officiating.

Jeannine worked as a secretary for Miles Laboratory for 10 years before becoming a nurse and graduating from Goshen College. After a year of nursing, she later became a case worker for 20 years at the State Welfare Department using the skills that she learned to serve those in need in her community. After retirement, she volunteered at the Y to help the elderly with taxes. She was a member of Trinity on Jackson for several years. Jeannine enjoyed singing and was a member of the Evergreen Singers, where she sang popular songs from the 40's and 50's.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Jeannine's phenomenal caretakers, especially Carlen Sharp, who served Jeannine during her final days. They would also like to thank her kind neighbors who helped take care of the yard and additional work around her house.