Jeanne (Zaelit) Francone passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 29, 1939, to Joe and Virginia Zaelit, Jeanne lived a life full of love, laughter, and generosity.
As a freshman at Judge Memorial Catholic High School, Jeanne met her lifelong love, Jerry Francone. They married on August 22, 1959 and spent 64 years together filled with love and devotion to family, fun and adventure.
Jeanne spent her entire career at the phone company, starting as a telephone operator and rising to the role of Director. During that period of time, she proudly earned her bachelor’s degree from Regis University.
Jeanne deeply loved her family and friends, and she showed it in countless ways: by insisting on feeding everyone who came through her door, gifting her hand-knitted washcloths, and sharing her loud infectious laugh that could be heard across any room. She enjoyed growing her roses, playing games and spending time with her granddaughters and great granddaughters. She and Jerry enjoyed traveling in their motorhome across the country and creating memories with friends and family on weekend trips during the summer.
Jeanne is survived by her children Jerry (Curt), Terri Matthies (Scott), and Michael (Abbie); her granddaughters Linda, Chrissey, Alysha, and Brooke; her great-granddaughters Amelia, Audrey, Olivia, and Marlo; her brother Joe (Beth); and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, her children ask that donations be made to the The Utah Food Bank in her name (www.utahfoodbank.org).
