MASON CITY — Jeanne Lenore (Danehy) Argos, 96, a former Cerro Gordo County Recorder, longtime community volunteer and active participant in local politics, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Nora Springs Care Center, surrounded by her family.
A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, November 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Avenue in Mason City. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., immediately preceding the service. Inurnment will be held at St. Patrick Cemetery in Dougherty at a later date. Fullerton Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Born September 16, 1930, in Dougherty, Jeanne was the youngest of five children of Leo and Catherine (Geary) Danehy. She attended grade school and high school at Holy Family.
On April 13, 1950, Jeanne married Sam Argos in Bennettsville, South Carolina. Together, they welcomed three children: Nikki, John and Mary.
Jeanne built a varied working career that included positions at Park Hospital and Snyder Pappajohn. She also served as the elected Cerro Gordo County Recorder and worked at Laird Law Firm before retiring.
She was involved in Democratic politics and ran for the Iowa Legislature, reflecting her convictions and desire to make a difference in her community.
Her Catholic faith was central to her life. She served on the St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Council and its board, and was active in organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, VFW and Toastmasters.
She volunteered for many years at a local free clinic, giving her time to help others.
While working and raising her family, Jeanne enjoyed reading, cooking and spending time with loved ones and friends. She was known as loving and welcoming, as well as strong, independent and steadfast in her beliefs. Proud of her Irish heritage, she carried herself with a calm, stoic nature.
Survivors include her children, Nikki Laliberte and spouse John Laliberte, John Argos and spouse Robert Ross, and Mary Argos; grandchildren Chris Laliberte, Andrew Laliberte, Emily Laliberte, Max Debrovner and Maggie Debrovner; and great-grandchildren Clara Laliberte, Jake Laliberte, Ryne Laliberte, Sam Laliberte, Thomas Laliberte and Penny Laliberte. Her sister, Margaret Argos, also survives.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Catherine Danehy, and her siblings Leo Francis Danehy, Mary Evelyn (Danehy) Barr and Marie (Danehy) Stuart.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to an organization of the donor’s choice that supports dementia research and the search for a cure.
The family invites condolences and memories through Fullerton Funeral Home’s memorial page for Jeanne Argos.
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