Jeannette (Harris) Eichner

Jeannette was born on Sept 18, 1947 to John E and Cherrye Buse Harris. She was the eldest of 5 children. She received her Masters degree in Nutrition Education and Mass Media from Columbia University Teachers College and Bachelor of Science Nutrition from University of Texas in Austin. She completed her Dietetic Internship at the New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center. She studied Therapeutic Touch at New York University and other holistic healing modalities at The Center for the Light in Great Barrington, Mass.

Her interest in developing weight maintenance strategies by exploring the mind-body connection to wellness through the use of imagery, biofeedback and cognitive restructuring was years ahead of its time. Her work as a private consultant in New York City promoted wellness in women’s health by conducting classes in weight management, nutrition, and other holistic healing modalities. The success she had achieved in developing a special exercise program for obese women even earned her a mention in the New York Times.

While Jeannette was not active in her younger years, her post graduate work in nutrition led her to realize that “exercising makes everything work better”, but what sport to do? She initially chose running, but found that it was not “balanced”. She then turned to swimming, biking and eventually rowing which she declared as her favorite. She would row often on Lake Montauk from South Lake Beach to the Montauk Yacht Club and Inn and back. She fared well in several rowing regattas during her time.

Jeannette is preceded in death by her parents, John and Cherrye, sister, Delmar, and brother, Jay. She is survived by her brothers John (Helen), Rodney (Carma), brother in law, Trey Gerdes and sister in law, Janet Harris, nieces Mindi, Jennie, Hillary and Mary, nephews, Zac, Hank, Stanley and Josh.

The family wishes to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff of both Waco Healthcare and Rehab and the care team from Harbor Hospice for the love and care you showed our sister.