Jean Caroline Longrie

1928-2025

Jean Caroline Longrie, 97, of Rockford, Ill., passed away peacefully on Sept. 1, 2025, at Perry Lutheran Home in Perry, Iowa. Jean was born on May 2, 1928, in Beloit, the daughter of John and Margaret (Lekies) Makovec. She spent her early years in Medford, before moving with her family to Beloit, where she graduated from high school. After graduation, Jean moved to Rockford, Ill., with her first husband, Donald Oelschlager. She later married Clair Longrie, and together they built a life in Rockford, where Jean remained in the same home for more than 70 years.

Jean built a career with Avon and later worked as the manager of the uniform shop at CherryVale Mall in Rockford. In retirement, she found joy in gardening, walking with friends, and sharing her love of cooking with those around her. She remained in Rockford for most of her life before relocating to Iowa to be closer to family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clair; her brother, Ivan Makovec; and her sister-in-law, Norma Makovec.

Jean is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Debra (Orley) Brown, of Dallas Center, Iowa; her granddaughters, Carol Sheehy, of Westlake Village, Calif. and Jennifer LaRosa, of Madison; and her grandson, Mark Philip LaRosa, of Vero Beach, Fla.; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Emma, Rhys, Samuel, Sienna, Becker, Sophia and Elora as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at East Lawn Cemetery in Beloit.

Online condolences may be shared at ilescares. com.

Paid Obituary 174519