Jeanne Ann (Oestrerreicher) Valigura Opperman

Jeanne (Oesterreicher) Valigura Opperman passed away on October 4, 2021 at the age of 83 from late-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Jeanne was born in Bay City on December 23, 1937 to the late Frank Oesterreicher and Mary (Frieders) Oesterricher.  She graduated from St. Joseph High School and worked for Michigan Bell / Ameritech / AT&T for 25 years, both in Bay City and later the Saginaw office.  After retiring from AT&T, she was the special childcare provider for Alison & Will Gust of Essexville for over 10 years.  She was a member of St. James Parish for many years, and later St. Hedwig's.  She considered Fr. Kevin and Sr. Joann personal friends.  She was married to Joseph Valigura (deceased January 2014) for ten years, from April, 1960, and they had four children together.   On September 21, 1985 she married Nelson Opperman.  Nelson preceded her in death in May, 2003.  In her healthy years, she enjoyed getting together with friends, spoiling her grandchildren, taking vacations with Nelson, going to craft shows and visiting the casinos.  She also loved sending greeting cards to friends and family - not just on holidays or birthdays, but "just because."  She had the gift of hospitality, and everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal and fun conversation in her home.

She is survived by her children - Stephanie Valigura (David) Ellsworth; Joseph (Charlene Helmsley) Valigura; William (Diane) Valigura, James Valigura, and Lori Opperman (Todd) McMullen; five grandchildren Jordan (Hannah) Ellsworth; Zachary Ellsworth; Nathan (Ming) Ellsworth, Matthew McMullen and Christopher (Anna) McMullen and 2 great-grandchildren; sisters Carol (Robert) Riesenberger and Jan Oesterreicher;  special cousins Frank, Fred, and Barb Mandley and several cousins, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her brother Charlie Oesterreicher, sister-in-law Cindy Oesterreicher, sister Mary Catherine Greeno, brother-in-law Dean Greeno, and nephew Jason Oesterreicher.  Her brother, George (Mary) Oesterreicher passed away one day after (October 5) in Birnamwood, Wisconsin.

Our family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Kim Hughes and Hughes Care Home for the exceptional support and love they provided these past several months, as well as to Grace Hospice for their compassion and guidance.

A memorial has been planned and visitors may call at Gephart Funeral home on Thursday, October 21 from 3:00 - 8:00pm.  A special remembrance will take place at 6:00pm.  A private internment will take place with the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to donate to alz.org in memoriam.