Jean P. Hennessy – mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, neighbor and volunteer passed away peacefully on June 19, 2024, in her beloved Bainbridge Island home. Her passing comes after several years of declining health.
Jean was born December 6, 1927, in North Ridgeville, Ohio and made Bainbridge Island home base with her husband Paul in 1987. Paul passed away in 2002.
Jean’s life was one of adventure and travel. In 1952 she traveled to Washington DC to pursue an opportunity with the US Department of State in the Foreign Service. This was the first time Jean had left home and shortly after completing her training, she was off to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) for her first assignment. Jean worked as an administrative assistant and cryptographer until 1965. During her tenure, she was stationed in Norway, Cambodia, Romania and then Bangladesh.
While in Bangladesh, Jean met, and married Paul and their journey began in 1965. Paul, a partner in then James M. Montgomery Civil Engineers was based in Pasadena, California and his company had a lead role in numerous municipal infrastructure projects around the world.
Jean and Paul settled in Sierra Madre and then Arcadia California. Jean, Paul and their two children Daniel and Patricia had the opportunity to live in the Philippines during the mid-70’s as part of Paul’s work. They spent two years in Manila and traveling around southeast Asia. Before returning to the States their wanderlust continued traveling throughout Europe and followed by a cross-country road trip!
When Paul retired in 1986, they designed and built their home on Bainbridge Island. The community was their perfect playground. Paul, a lifelong boater, made Jean into an equally enthusiastic participant in his passion. Whenever possible, they would be out on the water and every summer they would take a several week journey with a favorite destination being Desolation Sound.
While raising her children in California, Jean was active in her kids’ schools and carpools. She was a volunteer docent at the Los Angeles Zoo and frequently played tennis with her friends. In the Philippines, Jean and Paul were active in scouting activities and loved to travel the country as a family. When Paul and Jean moved to Bainbridge Island, they became parishioners at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church. It was through this community they learned about the Matt Talbot Center, a social services agency helping homeless and addicted men and women transition to a more stable life. Both became active volunteers with the organization. Jean consistently volunteered on a weekly basis for nearly 30 years. Jean was also very active with Island Volunteer Caregivers and Helpline House. Other activities Jean loved throughout her life were gardening, cooking and entertainment. She and Paul also continued to travel the world in their retirement.
Jean is survived by her two children, her brother Pete, four grandchildren, many members of her extended family, countless friends and her highly sought after Linzer torte recipe.
A funeral service and celebration of Jean will be held on July 29, 2024 at St. Ceclia’s Church. Services begin at 11am with a reception to follow. St. Ceclia is located at – 1310 Madison Avenue, Bainbridge Island – 98110.
In lieu of flowers – please donate to Island Volunteer Caregivers, Helpline House both on Bainbridge Island or volunteer for your favorite cause.
