Jeannie Marie Martini

Jeannie Marie Martini (deQuevedo), age 69, died peacefully on November 4, 2018 in her home in Sebeka, Minnesota, surrounded by family and under the loving care of her husband Jerome and Lakewood Hospice. She was born on April 5th, 1949 to Dr. Nester and Eleanor deQuevedo in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She attended St. Paul’s Elementary and Marywood Seminary in Scranton where she enjoyed field hockey, piano and swimming. After high school, Jeannie lived as a foreign exchange student in Brazil, which spurred her lifelong love of language. Jeannie obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Maine and also completed some graduate work at Pepperdine University. She was united in marriage to Jerome Martini on April 5, 1986 and together raised ten children on their dairy farm west of Sebeka. To fulfill her desire for lifelong learning, she returned to Bemidji State University obtaining a teaching degree in Social Studies education, with her first teaching position at Sonrise Christian School. While continuing to teach, Jeannie obtained her degree in Spanish and her Master’s Degree in Education. Jeannie taught in several districts and educational institutions in the area, including: Sebeka, Park Rapids, Underwood, Fergus Falls Community College, Central Lakes Community College, Clearbrook-Gonvick, as well as with a homeschool co-op. She enjoyed providing Spanish translation services as well as coaching and judging for speech teams. Jeannie had a great love for her students and retired in 2014 after 17 years of teaching. Continuing her interest in infant health, Jeannie returned to school to pursue a certification as a lactation specialist while interning at Lakewood Health System in Staples. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, hosting a weekly bible study, traveling, playing games with her husband and friends, swimming, dancing, wedding crashing, singing in the choir, and meeting with her book club. Jeannie was a caring, generous person who loved connecting with others, had a wonderful sense of humor, and opened her home to many people including foster children, foreign exchange students, and friends of her children. This generosity earned her the title of “Mama Martini” which encompassed her priorities of faith, family, friends and fun.Jeannie is survived by her husband Jerome and children Christie (Kevin), Scott (Jordana), Sean (Andrea), Shaun (Lisa), Mike (Carrie), Melanie, Grady (Lindsay), Heather (Dave), Larry (Lynn), and Bridget (Max). She also has 21 grandchildren; Dawson, Cole, Brogan, Bradlyn, Conall, Maci, Makaela, Kelsi, Izzy, Isaac, Jack, Owen, Jackie, Eli, Elliot, Darci, Isla, Will, Paxton, Felix, and Braxton. She is preceded in death by her parents Dr. Nester and Eleanor deQuevedo, sisters Mary (deQuevedo) Devanandan, Joanie (deQuevedo) Clarke, and brother Dr. Robert deQuevedo.Thanks to each and every one of you who made an impact on Jeannie’s life. Her community, family and friends meant the world to her.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 9, 2018 at Sebeka United Methodist Church. Interment will be at the Wadena Cemetery.