Jeanne S. Schofer

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Jeanne S. Schofer, it summarized in every way who she was. She was reserved and quiet and showed strong fight when needed. Jeanne liked to take in everything around her and think before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

She was the daughter of Morris and Rose Reuben. Raised in Brooklyn, NY, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Jeanne was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Jeanne was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Jeanne was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Jeanne also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Jeanne was raised with one sibling. She had one brother, A. Neil Reuben. Jeanne was constantly involved in activities with her family. Jeanne and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Growing up, Jeanne was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. She was content to entertain herself. Jeanne was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, she was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything she did as a child, Jeanne was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around her. Jeanne took part in a number of activities as a child. She loved to roller-skate. Later in life her husband Gene bought her a pair of roller skates so she could recapture her youth. In her spare time she liked reading and writing poetry. She often talked about the need for “culture” in her life.

Jeanne enjoyed learning. She always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Jeanne learned best through observation. She often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Jeanne was painstaking and accurate in her efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. Jeanne enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Reading.

Most folks would say that Jeanne was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Jeanne was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Jeanne best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Jeanne kept. Later in life, she became very close to Darlene Jansen. Darlene was there with grace with Jeanne as she battled cancer. He true friend for life.

Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Jeanne. She was totally committed to Gene and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Jeanne naturally sensed her spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Jeanne disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times. The love that Gene and Jeanne shared is an inspiration to everyone around.

Jeanne was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Jeanne was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Jeanne was blessed with one child, son, David. She was also blessed with five grandchildren, Natalie, Ryan, Eric, Ashley and Tina.

If you gave Jeanne a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Jeanne was always on task. Without hesitation, Jeanne could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was Administrative Secretary. She was employed for over twenty years at AT&T. At each job Jeanne always rose to the top of the secretaries and worked most of her career for the Plant Manager. She was a great organizer and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency.

Jeanne liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Jeanne's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Jeanne preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were reading, music and shopping. Her and Gene would go window shopping at all the best stores and eat at the restaurant or just go walking. She would take her granddaughter to an art fair or the movies. She enjoyed tracking her ancestry on the internet and writing poetry. Some of her favorite vacations included trips to San Diego, California.

Jeanne passed away on May 3, 2012 at home in Glendale, Arizona. She fought a brave battle with bone cancer. Services were held at Sunland Mortuary.

Jeanne was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. She will be missed.