Jean Margaret Tabor, age 82, of Canton, Michigan passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, after a courageous, 3+ years fight against cancer. 

Jean was born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan to Fred and Margaret Buschell. As the daughter of a Michigan State Police commander, Jean and her siblings moved around Michigan, finally settling in South Haven.

Always a dedicated student with a passion for learning, Jean earned degrees from Central Michigan University (B.A., English and Social Studies), Eastern Michigan University (M.A. History), and the University of Michigan (Master’s of Library Science). She started her career as a teacher in Paw Paw, Michigan, then South Middle School in the Van Buren Public Schools as an English /Social Studies teacher.

Jean found her true calling at the Canton Public Library where she began as a reference librarian and was quickly promoted to Library Director, a position she held for 21 years. She was recognized nationwide as a visionary leader in library services and a pioneer of digital access, regularly serving as keynote speaker at library conferences across the US. Her legacy lives on in the many libraries that followed Canton’s lead, enriching the lives of young readers and library patrons alike.

Jean was a smart, witty, generous, and kind person who loved books, and enjoyed sharing her love of books with family and friends. Jean was a diehard Michigan football fan and long-time season ticket holder. She was also a member of the University of Michigan Alumni Board. She loved to travel with her husband Larry, taking numerous adventures to Europe, Alaska and cruises in the Caribbean. Annual trips to Las Vegas were the norm, visiting the strip so often, she and Larry were on a first name basis with several of the local bartenders.

They would escape the Michigan winters to their home in Arizona, which always included regular trips to the flea market, Loughlin, Nevada, and happy hours at the local pubs with her brother, sisters, and cousins. Jean would spend many summers living in the UP, enjoying the company of friends and family.

Family was most important to Jean. Her home in Canton was the center of connection for everyone. Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, barbeques, or a random Sunday dinner, the family would gather to enjoy what many consider the best damn food around. She loved nothing more than the chaos of her kids and grandkids, an overly aggressive white elephant gift exchange, or a meaningful conversation.

She will be remembered for her intelligence, sharp wit, generosity, grace, humility, and the most beautiful smile.

Jean is survived by her husband Larry Tabor, her 7 children and their significant others, 10 grandchildren, a great grandchild, sisters, nieces, nephews, and many cousins. Jean is preceded in death by her parents Fred and Margaret Buschell, and her brother Edward Bruner. 

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest Located at 1275 S. Huron St. Ypsilanti, Michigan on Thursday, December 18th, from 2:00 until 6:00 PM with a tribute at 4:30 PM.