Jeanne Marie Selander Free, 94, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, at Wesley Commons Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Jeanne was born on August 19, 1932, in Summit, New Jersey, in Essex County, to the late Wilbur C. Selander and Marie Delores (Rogers) Selander. She grew up in Springfield, New Jersey, with her parents and two brothers, Wilbur “Bill” Rogers Selander and Guy Thomas Selander. Jeanne was especially proud of her father and his service as Chief of Police, a role she spoke of with great admiration and pride throughout her life.

In 1950, Jeanne graduated from Regional High School, where she studied art. She married John Phillip Sippell in 1952, and together they raised their three children on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina.

Jeanne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston in 1971 and completed her master’s degree in nursing in 1977. She became a certified psychiatric nurse and clinical specialist at the Mental Hygiene Clinic at the VA Hospital in Charleston, where she dedicated her career to caring for patients with schizophrenia. She retired in 1992.

Jeanne was also active in the early days of the women’s equal rights movement and served as president of the South Carolina chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW).

In 1978, Jeanne married Horace Buchanan “Buck” Free. They made their home in Mount Pleasant before eventually retiring to Greenwood, South Carolina.

Jeanne was predeceased by her beloved husband, Horace Buchanan “Buck” Free, and her oldest son, Jeffery Phillip Sippell.

She is survived by her loving family: daughter and son-in-law Sally Jeanne Carrier and Christopher Carrier; son and daughter-in-law John Clifford Sippell and Mary Frances Sippell; and granddaughter Margeaux Lynn Sippell.

Jeanne enjoyed playing golf and bridge with friends and was rarely without a good book. She was deeply loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

A Memorial service will be held 1:00 PM on Thursday September 3rd, 2026 at The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection with the Rev. Chris Craig Jones Officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.