Jeanne Olivia Baret, 87, passed away November 5th, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer. True to form, she went out as she chose, in her home with a magnificent view of the mountains, ready to find out what comes next.
Born Jeanne Ann Bretz, she was also known as Jeanne McMichael and Jeanne Hannafin.
Her life began in Philadelphia. She grew up in Haverford and went to nursing school at the University of Pennsylvania. She raised a family on the Main Line and summered at the New Jersey Shore. After a memorable summer at Lake Tahoe in 1969, she fell in love with the area and moved her family to Carson City in 1973, where she thrived for over 50 years.
While living in Pennsylvania, she began a career in real estate. This prepared her for a career with the State of Nevada in the Real Estate Division. In 1979, she was appointed by Governor Robert List to Deputy Administrator of the Department of Taxation. Although having retired years earlier, in 1997 she came out of retirement to work alongside Senator Valerie Wiener for eight legislative sessions.
Jeanne was heavily involved in the community. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, Friends of Carson City Library, and more. She spent her retirement years traveling the world, volunteering for local organizations, and spending time with her family and her many friends.
Jeanne was always willing to learn something new and capable of tackling most anything life threw her way. She will be remembered for her quick wit, strength, kindness, creativity, and zest for life.
Jeanne was predeceased by her sister Carol Shaw.
Her spark lives on in her daughters Ellen McMichael, Suzanne McMichael (Miles Nebeker), and granddaughter Natalie Sprigg.
Per Jeanne’s request, there will be no services. Please remember her fondly in your thoughts and memories.
“To live in hearts, we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell