Jeanne Rudolph Pechin ’43
Jeanne “Jeannie" Pechin, passed away peacefully, July 26, 2018 in her beloved home by the ocean in Hana, Maui. She was 90 years old.
She was the daughter of Helen and Bill Rudolph, explorer and humanitarian, and grew up briefly in New Canaan, CT. Her father's work as a mining engineer then moved her to Potosi, Bolivia and later to Chuquicamata, Chile. While at boarding school, St. Margaret's in Waterbury, CT and later, Wellesley College, in Wellesley, MA, she spent all her summers in Northern Chile. She enjoyed travel, visiting 58 countries in her lifetime.
Jeannie raised two sons of her own and was mom to five step children, along with countless dogs, cats, and pigeons. As a tireless fundraiser and volunteer for many causes, she co-founded the Delaware ASPCA, and worked together with her husband Ed Pechin “Peach” and others to help open an after-school center for children. They moved to Hana in 1972 and felt very fortunate to be a part of the East Maui community.
Last year, she received the Tiny Malaikini Mea Kokua Award, the Hana community’s recognition for public service. She was honored for her 46 years of volunteer service to many nonprofit organizations in Hana. This all began in 1973 when she, Peach, Carl Lindquist and Dr. Milton Howell started the Hana Maui Trust to benefit the community’s welfare, education and health care supported by seed monies, grants and scholarships to individuals and organizations. She was also a longtime board member for Wananalua Congregational Church and a supporter and board member of the Hana Buddhist Temple.
Jeannie was famous for her knack of introducing people to others, being a warm and generous hostess and throwing wonderful parties where people from all walks of life and corners of the globe mingled and enjoyed each other's company. She made all her visitors feel welcome and at ease. Her love of travel, curious nature, and interest in learning about different cultures and people, made her a friend to all, and loved by many.
She leaves behind her sons Jeffrey and Peter Harrison, stepsons Chris and Nick Pechin, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Her quiet strength, warm nature, and Aloha spirit will be missed by all who knew her.
A "Celebration of Life Party" will be held in Hana on September 22.
Those who wish to honor Jeannie’s giving spirit are invited to contact the Hana Buddhist Temple Preservation Association P.O Box 714 Hana, HI 96713 ~ hanabuddhisttemple@gmail.com.
New Canaan Country School
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