QVC fashion powerhouse Jeanne Bice dies: 1939-2011
Wisconsinite-turned-Floridian Jeanne Bice of the Quacker Factory has died. Last month it was disclosed she had cancer. She laughed all the way to the bank by building a $50M company out of those crazy holiday sweaters that became a year round favorite to followers. She was as famous for her easy conversation as she was for rocking a colorful, signature headband.
Bice welcoming Isaac Mizrahi to the QVC family
She often talked about not achieving her dreams until later in life (60) but it was a celebration of reaching, not all of the lost years. No word on what will happen to the line that keeps QVC quite happy.
She started wearing the headbands as a way for people to remember her other than “the fat one” (as she put it). It worked. She remarked that when she moved to Florida, it served dual purpose in keeping her hair out of the way with the humidity.
July 20, 1939-June 10, 2011
A Life of Love
Jeanne Bice loved life. From her childhood in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin-taking care of her baby brother Dick, all through her married years to her adoring Butch in Ripon, Wisconsin, raising her beloved Tim and Lee, Jeanne was surrounded by love. Everyone loved to be at Jeanne’s house. That’s where the party was-everyday.
In the Rubber Duck Principle, Jeanne wrote this about Angels:
‘Sometimes we feel that we are all alone, as life brings us challenges to overcome and hardships to bear. But when we least expect it, help can appear. It may be a kind word from a stranger or a phone call at just the right time, and suddenly we are surrounded by the loving grace of God. Miracles happen everyday because angels are everywhere.’
Today, June 10, 2011, Jeanne joined the Angels who will make miracles happen forever.
God Bless Jeanne Bice. May she rest in Peace.
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Wearing my headband in tribute: 
Jeanne was a delight to watch & her clothes are a delight to wear! My husband & I travel alot & the outfits I’ve had are so comfy & fun to have. When you have on one of QF outfits or item of QF on & another gal notices Jeanne incouraged us to say quack quack to that person! It’s so cool to be a quacker or be quacked at! Thanks Ms. Jeanne & rest in peace angel, with the headband!
Wow, talk about being in the dark! I just found out today, about her passing. I too, have watched but never bought, although her clothing line is so blinged out which is what I love. She was a very funny and warm lady! I say that with the utmost respect. God Bless Jeanne and her family! Heaven will love her as much as we all do! RIP
I’m new to Quacker Factory as I purchased my first items this year on QVC. Hearing the news of Jean’s passing was shocking as I will always be grateful seeing her on qvc. I felt like she really loved me and knew me BUT we never met. I felt we were friends especially when I wore her clothes. Thank you Jean!
what a tribute to a wonderful lady…lady indeed…such grace, character and beauty. Her spirit will live in all the hearts of all who knew her. She was an inspiration to me. She just went to sleep…
I truely will miss Jeanne,I have a few of her things,but i enjoyed just watching her on the television.She is watching over us all and smiling because we are wearing her lovely cloths that she has blessed us all with.
Jeanne’s impact is almost mind boggling. She brought joy to many, as evidenced during her life, and now in her passing. Thank you for sharing your touching comments here.
rest in heaven with the angels. i loved watching you on qvc and enjoyed your clothes.anywhere i went you could always find someone who would greet you with a quack!quack!
Rest in peace lovely lady…You will be missed…I always tuned in to see what new items you would show on QVC and listen to your laugh…You made this world a brighter place…
I’ve lost a friend — but Heaven just got so much more sparkle and shine!
I can’t believe Jeanne has died. My condolences to her family and to the QVC family. I heard about it yesterday from David Venible on the cooking show.
Cindy DeLuca
Have collected quite a collection of Quacker in the past 10 years or so. I wear them proudly and receive many compliments. Jeanne’s clothes make you feel happy just wearing them. So sorry to hear of her passing. She will be missed. I will cherish my collection even more now. Hoping the line continues. Rest in peace, Jeanne. Your QUACK will live on forever!
I’m in shock! I heard of her passing when David Venable paid tribute to her on his show today.
My heart sank when I heard she’d passed. I loved watching her, esp when she had TSV on QVC. If she was on & I wasn’t home I’d tape it
so I could watch it later. I will miss her comic genius. I got a kick out of her “sit-down comedy”. She will be greatly missed.
I wonder what will become of Quacker Factory now. It won’t be the same w/out her.
Love you Jeanne
Dianne
The world has lost a wonderful person. I was saddened by the news she had passed away. I wish we could bring her back but of course this is not possible. She was a glowing example of someone who always made the best of every situation and taught us all how to be more positive and loving. Miss you Jeanne!! You are in a better place now and have left a permanent void and mark on this world.
The world has lost a wonderful person. I was saddened by the news she had passed away. I wish we could bring her back but of course this is not possible. She was a glowing example of someone who always made the best of every situation and taught us all how to me more positive and loving. Miss you Jeanne!! You are in a better place now and you have left a permanent mark on our hearts.
Such sad news. She will surely be missed by all. What a beautiful smile she shared always.
I am shocked and saddened by the passing of Jeanne. I have so many Quacker outfits that continue to bring happiness and whimsy in my life. To her family I give my heartfelt sympathy and love. I am sure she is bringing extra sparkle and shine to the angels and the heavens. Know that your Mom brought joy and happiness to thousands of women and we will continue to wear her clothes and think of her daily. RIP Jeanne!
I have been watching/buying Quacker clothing for over 10 years. I enjoyed watching Jeanne even if I did not buy any of the clothes, even though that was very hard to do. I feel that I knew Jeanne, I wish that I had. I was so sad and shocked to hear of Jeanne’s death, and feel a personal loss today. My prayers for Jeanne, her family/friends, co-workers and QVC’s hosts and audience are with you. I think about Angel, and prayer for her loss as well.
Maureen, New York, NY
Jeanne, I cried when I heard of your passing. You were one very special person. Was never fortunate enought to meet you but I loved you anyway. That was a special gift you had, reaching out & touching so many people.
We have all lost a one of a kind woman for sure.
Move over angels for the newest addition in heaven, who will keep you all
laughing. I could swear I heard the faint sound of quack, quack coming from above.
Condolences to Jeanne’s family & also to her QVC family.
Jeanne Bice once said that when she dies she will be up in heaven dangling on a star. I think if we see a star tonight we will see her, right where she said she will be. Mary Jane, Denmark, Wi
I have watched QVC for 30 years and loved when the Quacker Factory was on. I was taping this am to watch later and saw where she passed. I am shocked. She was such an uplifting, spiritual angelic lady. I have many of her clothes and will cherish them even more now. God bless you Jeanne for what you gave to your fans..I felt like you were a part of my family…You will be missed greatly and my prayers for the family..
I loved jeanne, she was so fun to watch, so full of live.
I will greatly miss her. I cannot say enough about her wonderful
outlook on life. I just loved her.
Jeanne will be missed. I loved her whimsical clothing! It was my way of letting loose of my strict Midwestern upbringing and conservative restrictions. Rest in peace, Jeanne. May all the uptight in life laugh with you in Heaven!!!!!! I know you have joined the chior of angels.
Wisconsin QVC fashion powerhouse (say that 3 times fas) Jeanne Bice dies http://t.co/l8doYJL wear your headband