Age 80 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away on February 25, 2025, in West St. Paul, Minnesota.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Marcel D. Vax and Marie T. (Ankner) Vax, and grandson, Elliott M. Solin.

Born on March 21, 1944, in St. Paul, MN, Jeannine lived a life filled with warmth, generosity, and an unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and community. She graduated from Globe Business College before embarking on a 46-year career at Ace Hardware on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. Starting as a clerk at just 15 years old, she worked her way up to Office Manager and eventually became the majority owner alongside her husband, James. Her leadership extended beyond the store as she served on the Grand Avenue Business Association board of directors for several years, always striving to support local businesses and strengthen the community she loved.

Jeannine had a heart as vast as the ocean she adored in Hawaii. She found immense joy sitting on the lanai, feeling the soft breeze while watching the waves roll in—especially when surrounded by family and friends. Her kindness knew no bounds; she was deeply committed to helping those in need, whether through personal acts of generosity or supporting numerous charities dedicated to uplifting others.

At Ace Hardware, Jeannine created more than just a business—she built a family. Customers weren’t just patrons; they were welcomed as old friends. It was not uncommon for her to travel across the country and run into someone who remembered her from the store, and she greeted each one with open arms and genuine interest in their lives. The hardware store was also home to five beloved cats that brought her endless joy.

Beyond her love for people and animals, Jeannine had an enduring admiration for Elvis Presley—the only other love of her life besides James, her husband of 53 years.

Jeannine is survived by her husband, James F. Solin; stepdaughter, Elisa Welliver, CA; grandchildren, Forrest Welliver, Hannah Rothschild. and Ryan Lynn all of the Twin Cities; sister, Suzanne Vax Laverdiere, TX; niece, Kelly (Gregory) Garramone, Washington DC; nephew, Matthew (Jennifer) Laverdiere, TX; and grand-nieces and grand-nephew, Gwyneth Garramone, MD; Jessie Laverdiere, Dylan Laverdiere, and Alexie Laverdiere, TX; plus many cousins and friends.

A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held 11:00 am–12:30 pm on May 6, 2025, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue in Inver Grove Heights, MN, with a short service and time of sharing beginning at 11:30 am.  Luncheon to follow. Jeannine’s ashes will be scattered at Forest Lawn Memorial Park following the luncheon.

Memorials preferred to St. Joseph Indian School, Chamberlain, SD.  https://www.stjo.org/help-native-americans/memorials/

Jeannine Marie Solin will be remembered for her boundless compassion, warm embraces, and ability to make everyone feel like family. Her legacy of kindness will live on in the many lives she touched.