Born and raised in the Nativity section of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Jeanne was the daughter of the late Paul and Marian Flynn McGowan. She graduated from Scranton Central High School and Marywood University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology.
After graduating from Marywood, Jeanne moved to Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, where she was a Mental Health Worker in the educational system. She also worked with both community-based agencies and private practices throughout the Philadelphia area. While holding multiple positions, Jeanne spent her time in Philadelphia furthering her education at Widener University where she earned her Master’s degree in Social Work and obtained a certification in School Social Work. After achieving this goal, Jeanne accepted a position as the Director of Counseling Services at Gwenedd Mercy College where she was employed for six years.
In 2015, Jeanne moved to Savannah, Georgia where she accepted a position at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus as the Director of Counseling. In 2017, Jeanne also spent time working as an Applied Skills Intervention Trainer where she brought suicide prevention training to agencies throughout Georgia. While employed at Georgia Southern, Jeanne was in pursuit of her Doctorate degree in Higher Education for Leadership. She completed the four year academic program and was working diligently to complete her dissertation before her passing.
Jeanne was a fun-loving spirit who lit up every room she walked into. For those who knew her, knew that she was up for any adventure. She enjoyed traveling across the United States and Europe with all of her family and friends. Her last big adventure was traveling to Iceland to see the Northern Lights for her 50th birthday celebration. Jeanne enjoyed all genres of music and loved attending music festivals and concerts. For the last six years, she traveled to Tennessee to attend the Bonnaroo music festival where her friends and family were “always radiating positivity.” Jeanne loved her Dewey Beach life. She enjoyed all of the activities and highlights of living at the shore. Never missing an opportunity to meet new people, it was here that she developed close relationships with her beach house friends.
Family was everything to Jeanne. Never missing a birthday, a holiday, or a special occasion, she was always sure to call, send a card, or a funny meme that put a smile on your face. Everyone knew that her nieces and nephews truly were some of the most important people in her life. From dance offs and jam out music sessions, to planned scavenger hunts, beach walks, and bar crawls, Jeanne was always up for something fun. She was not just an aunt, she was the “cool aunt,” a mentor, and the person you could tell anything to. She was a listening ear and the voice of reason. Her kind and genuine nature were admired by all.
Jeanne is survived by her eight siblings: Meg Behrend, St. Simons Island, GA.; Maura Foley and fiancé, Jerry Gavin, Dunmore, PA.; William McGowan and wife, Linda (Gavin), Scranton, PA.; Kathryn Droder and husband, Robert, Tyler, TX.; Erin Grant and husband, Anthony, Ashburn, Va.; Paul McGowan and wife, Christine (Lafferty), Blue Bell, PA.; Patricia Lafferty and husband, Joseph, Scranton, PA.; Mark McGowan and wife Angela (Hudacko), of New Cumberland, PA.; twenty nieces and nephews, Kelsey and Connor Behrend; Erin, Kelly, and Tara Foley; Elizabeth, Meghan, Gavin and William McGowan; Emily, Michael, and Patrick Droder, Brian and Olivia Grant; Max McGowan; Andrew, Timothy, and Jack Lafferty; and Violet and Flynn McGowan. Jeanne also was preceded in death by her brother-in-law David Behrend, Jr.
Jeanne spent most of her career working within the collegiate setting where she focused on both her own education and the education of those around her. Her dedication stemmed from her compassion and drive to be an advocate for those struggling with mental illness. She was committed to developing innovative programs that ensured that those in need felt heard and understood. Her energy, enthusiasm and leadership were noted by the community.
The family will have a celebration of life for Jeanne in Scranton, PA later in 2021. Donations can be made to the Women’s Resource Center of Northeast, PA by visiting the link: www.wrcnepa.org.
Edo Miller and Sons is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the register book and leave condolences for the family at www.edomillerandsons.com
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