Jeanette M. (Gaworski) Anton, 81, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Walker Nursing Home in Virginia, IL.

Jeanette was born September 3, 1944, in Aurora, IL, the fifth child of George and Irene (Molitor) Gaworski, of Oswego, IL.

Jeanette received her Bachelors Degree from The College of St. Francis in Joliet in 1966. She then attended Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C, completing her Masters Degree in Teaching/Elementary Deaf Education.

She met her husband, Ralph Anton, at Gallaudet as they were both working on their Masters Degrees. They graduated from Gallaudet in 1968.

Jeanette began her teaching career at the Illinois School for the Deaf on September1, 1968. She and Ralph married on August 2nd, 1969, at St. Peter's Church in Aurora, IL. Both were employed at ISD until their retirements. Jeanette retired from teaching in 2005.

Jeanette was very involved in the Catholic Church's ministry to the ISD students. She interpreted for the priests at Mass, at Catechism classes, and arranged for parishioners to drive students when they attended Mass at the Church of Our Savior.

She was a long time Girl Scout Leader and ISD track coach. She tutored and mentored numerous students, which continued for years after her retirement. She was always quick to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed one.  She and Ralph loved to travel, both domestically and abroad. She was a member of the Morgan County Garden Club and took great pride in her many flower beds, many of which were transplanted from her parent's home in Oswego. She greatly loved her family and friends.

Jeanette was an avid animal lover and advocate for dogs in need. She had many dogs over the years, most recently, Chase and Luna.

Jeanette is survived by siblings, Joann (Robert) Zell, George (Laura Lee) Gaworski III and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, one God daughter, numerous cousins, and dear friends whom she loved dearly.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, parents George and Irene, siblings Kenneth and sister-in-law Joni Gaworski, Kathryn Gaworski, Jane and brother-in-law Wilber Frederick, and Helen Gaworski.

The family would like to recognize special friends Inez Johnson, Cory Jobe, Rachel Long, Aimee and Tom Veith, and Chuck Nash, along with the caregiving team from Home Instead for their advocacy and dedication to keeping her safely in her home with her dogs over the past 2 years.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Church of Our Saviour, on East State Street in Jacksonville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to PAWS Jacksonville, 400 W. Walnut, Jacksonville, IL 62650. (217)243-7297.

The family will hold private interment services at a later date at Risen Lord Catholic Church Cemetery, Oswego, IL.

The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.