Jeanette "Jeanie" Memory (Nicholson) Halldorson

Jeanette “Jeanie” Memory Halldorson, 81, of Carterville, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Jeanie was born on May 20, 1944, in Melrose Park, Illinois, to James Earl and Geneva (Hood) Nicholson. She met her future husband and love of her life, John Eugene Halldorson, during her first week of college at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she later earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Education. They were married on December 18, 1965, in Melrose Park, Illinois, and together shared 60 wonderful years of marriage.

She is survived by her husband, John Halldorson; son, Michael (Antoinette “Toni”) Halldorson; daughter, Laura Halldorson; and grandchildren, Alexa, Ashley, Nicolas, Mackenzie “Kenzie”, and Layton.

Jeanie was preceded in death by her parents.

She served as Assistant Director of the Shawnee Library System for over 34 years. Jeanie enjoyed reading, sewing, baking, traveling, and attending SIU football and basketball games as a longtime supporter of Saluki athletics. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy was her family, and she especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren, rarely missing an opportunity to attend any of their events. Jeanie was also a longtime member of Xi Kappa Nu Sorority, where she formed many close friendships and valued the fellowship and service it provided.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Anne West Lindsey District Library in Carterville, Illinois.

Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville assisted the family with cremation services. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeanette "Jeanie" Memory (Nicholson) Halldorson, please visit our floral store.