Jean (nee Strate) Armaganian died at her home in Neenah, Wis., on Sunday, Feb. 18. She was a longtime resident of Racine and moved to the Fox Valley after her beloved husband Harry passed away in 2020 to live closer to her two daughters. She was a devoted mother, loving grandmother, and compassionate friend who will be dearly missed.

     She was born Oct. 27, 1936, to Harry and Edith (Eckert) Strate, and happily grew up on a farm in Hoskins, Neb., where she developed a lifelong love of gardening and being outdoors. Jean graduated from Hoskins High School, and later earned a degree in elementary education from Wayne State University.

At only 19, Jean started her career in education with a two-year teaching certificate. She taught in Norfolk, Neb., and Great Falls, Mont., before returning to college to finish her degree and teach in Omaha. Jean later moved to Racine, Wis., where she began a successful and long career with the Racine Area Unified School District. She taught at Fine Arts Elementary School, Jerstad-Agerholm School, and S.C. Johnson Elementary School, among others. Jean's daughters fondly recall countless times kids and adults greeted their mom like a rockstar around town because she was their "all-time favorite teacher."

     In 1964, Jean married Harry Armaganian. In the 55 years they shared together, they raised two daughters -   Diana (John) Vlies of Algoma, Wis. and Karen (Tom) Whitmer of Neenah, Wis. They also thoroughly enjoyed spoiling their two grandchildren, Matthew and Eva Whitmer.

     The Lord blessed Jean with a curious, active mind and a warm, giving heart. In her free time, she loved being with family, reading, playing the piano, traveling to Florida for the winter, and spending time with good friends and neighbors. She was a devoted member of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church (now United Lutheran Church), serving as a Sunday School teacher and Altar Guild president. For nearly 40 years, Jean and Harry met with a group of cherished friends for a monthly bible study. She also volunteered her time to the Lincoln Lutheran Auxiliary, Our Harmony Club, and the North Side Food Pantry.

     In her final years, Jean courageously managed numerous health challenges. Despite the pain she endured, Jean always stayed positive, cheerful, and strong. She was a grateful soul who appreciated life and loved deeply.

     Jean is survived by her daughters, Diana and Karen; her sons-in-laws, John and Tom; her grandchildren, Matthew and Eva; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Debb Strate; brother­ in-law Larry Minihan, and many close and loving friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry, her parents, her sister Joann Minihan, brothers Larry, Donald, and Eldon Strate, and father- and mother-in-law Sam and Zabel Armaganian.

     Funeral services will be held at United Lutheran Church, 3825 Erie St., at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 1, with Pastor John Bischoff officiating. Friends and relatives may visit with the family at the church, beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Jean to the Northside Food Pantry or the United Lutheran Church, which are both at 3825 Erie St., Racine, WI 53402.