Jeanelle R. Beskin

Jean was born in Lucan, MN. She earned her R.N. degree from Fairview Nursing School in Minneapolis in 1944.

During WW II, she was a member of the US Navy Nurse Corps. While stationed at Great Lakes Naval Hospital, Jean met her future husband, Charles Beskin, MD. After the war, she used the GI bill to attend college at the University of California, Berkeley.

Jean married in 1949. After spending time in Boston for her husband's medical training, Jean and her family moved to Baton Rouge, LA in 1953, where her husband set up his thoracic and cardiovascular surgery practice.

Baton Rouge remained her home for the next 53 years. She was an active member of many community organizations, including the Baton Rouge Art League (past President), Symphony League (life member),Woman's Club (life member), East Baton Rouge Parish Medical Auxiliary, Great Books, and the Republican Party Club. Jean was a dedicated volunteer for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center for 35 years. She participated in several bridge groups and the "Sharks" investment club. Jean, along with her husband, Charles, created scholarship funds at both Tulane and Tufts Medical Schools. Jean immersed herself in southern Louisiana cooking and traditions, and fishing trips to Cocodrie with family were much enjoyed.

Jean moved to Atlanta in 2006 and enjoyed spending time with family already living here. She made many friends at Canterbury Court and participated in the events and activities, including the annual "Memory Walk".

Jean is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Hilde and Cole Van Houten of Norcross, GA; two sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Jim and Beth Beskin, of Atlanta and Dr. Bob and Phyllis Beskin, of Richmond,VA; a sister, Helma Hansvick of Moorhead, MN; six grandchildren, Marisa (Jeff) Pardo, Trent Van Houten, Michael Beskin, Kristine Beskin, Alison Beskin, Claire Beskin; and several nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held in Atlanta on Sat., Aug. 15, 2015.