Jeanne Faiman

On September 29, 1943, in Glendive Montana, Gloria Jeanne Jones was born to Bob and Irene Jones; she was Gloria to her kindergarten teacher, doctors, and telemarketers, but Jeanne to all those who knew and loved her. Behind her sparkling eyes were the sharpest wit and most nurturing heart.

On September 30, 2025, Jeanne passed away in her home, surrounded by family, love from friends and relatives, and a steady stream of music.

Fourth of Bob and Irene’s five children, Jeanne grew up in Beach, ND with an early passion for taking care of others. The sound of ice clinking in an iced tea glass for her father was the sound of love. Her spirit of generosity started early too, and stayed her whole life. She took great joy in sharing what she had with others, even to go without something to be able to give to someone else.

Jeanne graduated from Beach High School and began her secondary education at Cottey College in Nevada, KS. “Once a Cottey girl, always a Cottey girl” she would say – sometimes in teaching etiquette to others, and sometimes just to make people laugh. After the two-year program at Cottey, she completed her studies at Kansas State.

In Underwood, ND, Jeanne taught English and met a young Math teacher named Ken Faiman. They laughed at each others’ jokes in staff meetings and that laughter has continued for more than five decades, as she married Ken on June 17, 1968. They danced together well and often, at dances, weddings, and in the kitchen to songs on the radio. They camped together throughout North America, where they made memories and friends.

Ken and Jeanne made homes in Bismarck, Fargo, and Dickinson while they raised their three children. Jeanne loved being a mother and spoiled her children and their friends with cookies, homemade rolls, tea parties, and massive spaghetti dinners before a triathlon. Her cooking will live on in people’s memories and in recipes she shared – the summer of enchiladas as she worked to perfect her vision, the best and creamiest mashed potatoes, and meals for the road when people visited before a drive. (Some visitors were known to pull over before leaving city limits, unable to resist the smell of their travel snack) She volunteered with Hospice in Dickinson for years, bringing comfort and Juneberry pies and teaching other volunteers.

Ken and Jeanne moved back to Fargo in retirement, in time to enjoy living close to their kids and to welcome their grandsons. Jeanne loved being a grandma – attending baseball games, many concerts, and keeping treats available in the pantry at all times.

Jeanne is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Ken; her children: Aaron Faiman (Linda), Lisa Faiman, Kendra O’Brien (Matthew); grandchildren Truman and Linus O’Brien, all of Fargo; sisters: Karen (Glen) Brookhart of Bozeman, and Jule Erlandson of Beach; and nieces and nephews across the country and around the world. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Irene Jones; brother Timer Jones; sister Rosemary Hodges; and niece Wendy Brookhart. Jeanne’s family was supported by the phenomenal care of the Sanford Hospice team, and are forever grateful.