Jessup, Johanna "Anneke" F. age 81, of St. Paul, and formerly Roseville, MN, passed away on March 19, 2024, from the effects of cancer. Her final days were spent peacefully in her home in St. Paul, surrounded by family, including her sister Marianne from the Netherlands; friends; and a caring hospice team. Anneke was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Paul F. Jessup. She is survived by her beloved children, Christine Jessup (Joanna DeLucia) of Silver Spring, MD and Paul C.F. Jessup (Lian Tan) of Zurich, Switzerland; her grandchildren, Paul and Ameila Jessup and Alexa and Ariel DeLucia; and a wonderful extended family. Anneke was a dear sister, a devoted mother, a dearly loved grand-mother ("Oma"), a dedicated friend, and a caring and nurturing teacher. Anneke was born and raised in Voorburg, The Netherlands, where she was the eldest of six children. She obtained an advanced degree in Montessori education and began her teaching career in the Netherlands. In 1965, she had an opportunity to work with a family in Pittsburgh, PA, with whom she became lifelong friends. She bravely set off on an adventure to the United States, as one of only a handful of passengers on a commercial Norwegian freight ship. Later, an opportunity arose to teach at a Montessori school in Roseville, MN; true to her adventurous nature, Anneke took it. While at a dinner party in the Twin Cities, she met Paul F. Jessup, who was then a Professor at the University of Minnesota, and the two married on June 27, 1970. Paul and Anneke settled in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood of St. Paul, where they raised their two children, later moving to Roseville, where Anneke could truly indulge in her passion for gardening. She had a keen eye for style and design (both interior and landscape) and a talent for gourmet cooking. She maintained a strong network of friends, and was a welcoming and gracious hostess. Anneke was an active member of St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis, a supporter of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and a long-time volunteer with several organizations, including hospice services and Meals on Wheels. She remained connected to her Dutch roots and the family regularly traveled to the Netherlands to spend time with family and friends. Following her husband's diagnosis with Parkinson's disease, Anneke spent over 20 years ensuring that he received the best possible care and that he was able to continue traveling to see family in Maryland, Europe and Singapore until his passing in 2021. In 2023, as Anneke's own health deteriorated, she enjoyed an extended visit to Switzerland and insisted on visiting Mount Pilatus, where she had been years before as a young woman. Anneke was a kind and generous person with a strong will and a devotion to caring for others. She loved classical music, travel, her garden, and her family, especially her four grandchildren who adored their "Oma". She will be deeply missed. The family thanks the doctors and nurses at Regions Cancer Center; the caring staff of Health Partners Hospice, Lifespark, The Heritage at Lyngblomsten, and the Grace Angels Team; and the many friends and neighbors who supported and helped Anneke in recent years. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 2nd at 1:00pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral. Private interment will follow at St. Mark's Cathedral columbarium. Donations in Anneke's memory may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, at app.aplos.com/aws/give/ StMarksEpiscopalCathedral/2024Pledge; the Health Partners Hospice Hope Fund, at regionshospital.com/… (please designate "Hospice Hope Fund"); or the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum arb.umn.edu/donate/memorials -and-honor-gifts

Published on March 28, 2024