Jeanne H. Southland

On August 16, 2025 at 7:28 AM Jeanne Southland passed away after a short battle with cancer.  Jeanne was born in Grand Rapids on March 7, 1947, to Kenneth and Helen West.  She graduated from Aquinas College with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.  She went on to have a fulfilling career at Miller Johnson in elder care estate planning.

Jeanne was a beloved wife to Jerry Southland and previously to Tom Chirsman (deceased).  She was a devoted mother to Nancy Cote (Ruggs), Ryan Trzybinski (Michelle), Holly Sheldon, and the late Joe Trzybinski, and their father, Dave Trzybinski who survives. 

Her legacy continues though her cherished grandchildren Christian, Audrey, Sam and Elise Cote; Austin, Jackson and Ainsley Trzybinski; Griffin and Connor Sheldon, and their father, Mike Sheldon.

She is also remembered lovingly by her brother, Ed West (Charlotte) and sister-in-law, Mary Lou West.  She was preceded in death by her brothers, Gary West, his wife Julie, and Ken West. 

Family, friends and faith were paramount.  Jeanne came from a large close-knit family and was dedicated to maintaining connections.  She has many friendships from all phases of her life.  Her friendships were a source of immense joy including her Renew group, Growing in Relationships, Sunday school class and her biking group who went on countless trips through 26 states together often ending with ice cream.

Jeanne was a member of Calvary Church for over 30 years where her strong faith in the Lord led her spiritual journey that was ever so important to her.  She was adventurous and loved to bike, hike, travel and be active outdoors.  Jeanne also loved to read and play games of all kinds.  She loved watching her kids and grandkids playing all their various sports and was proud to call herself a lifelong Tigers fan. 

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held at 11:00 AM on August 22, 2025 at Calvary Church (707 East Beltline Ave NE) with a reception to follow.  VISITATION with Jeanne’s family will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM on August 21st at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home (4291 Cascade Road SE).  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids or Calvary Church Care Ministry. 

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