After a long battle with cancer, Jean "Jeannie" Marie Ives, age 65, passed away on Friday, November 25th, in her home surrounded by her loving family. Jeannie was born in Norfolk at DePaul Hospital on January 2, 1957, to Joseph & Dorothy DiFernando, and was the fourth of six children.
For over forty years, Jeannie provided daycare services, caring for more than 80 children, across multiple generations, throughout her career. She often referred to her daycare as her ministry and was more concerned with meeting the needs of those she cared for than she was with making a profit.
Truly one of the most loving and compassionate people, Jeannie exemplified care and hospitality to friends and strangers alike. From the many children she cared for in her home, to the love she had for her family, and her involvement in countless church activities, Jeannie was a shining light in this world, and a steadfast woman of faith. She was strong, passionate, beautiful, stubborn, dedicated and kind. She made the best sweet tea in the south and was a treasure to many! Often referred to as a “mom to the moms,” she was an invaluable resource to the many families who she met along her life’s journey. Jeannie was often referred to as an inspiration, a mentor, a friend, a blessing to all and a gift to this world.
Even in her last days, through the pain of her illness, Jeannie prioritized her calling to show the love of Jesus in whatever ways she could. After retiring due to her illness, she found other ways to minister to those around her. You could find her hosting neighborhood swim classes, putting groceries in the car for a stranger, providing mentorship for her nurses, and giving rides home from chemo to other patients who did not have them.
Jeannie loved pool days with friends, family game nights, and a good crossword puzzle. She loved to cook, and found joy in feeding all who came through the front door - her kitchen was a central place for laughter and a good chat. Above all her loves in this life, her grandson Jaxson was the light of her world.
Jeannie is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Sidney David Ives, and their two children, Emerson E. Ives, and Rebecca Jean Riggs; her son-in-law, Kyle Riggs, her grandsons Jaxson and Walker Riggs (soon to arrive in February). Left to cherish her memory are her siblings Roseann, Teresa, Bonnie, and Bobby; her siblings-in-law, her many nephews and nieces, and many dear friends who she considered family.
Jeannie couldn’t wait to get to Heaven to meet her grandbaby, and to reunite with her brother Joey, her mama and daddy.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 1 p.m. at River Oak Church located at 255 Great Bridge Blvd. Chesapeake, VA. 23320.