Jean (Whittaker) Rohde Mahn

Jean (Whittaker) Rohde Mahn died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, following an extended illness.

Born November 14, 1917, Jean celebrated her nearly 92 years of life with friends, family, commitment to her Christian faith and support of her political beliefs and absolute love of animals, especially her loyal and attentive dog Muffy. Jean's early years in Briercrest Village not too far from her birthplace in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, were filled with religious experiences, formal and informal education, love of piano and pursuit of a stimulating life through worldly travel.

The daughter of the late Sinclair and Isabel Whittaker, both of whom were instrumental in founding Briercrest Bible Institute in Briercrest, SK, Jean was preceded in death by her brother Morgan, first husband Tom Rohde, and second husband Bob Mahn.

Jean is survived by distant relatives and friends in the United States and Canada, special friends Joel Rudy, Carol Lambert and dedicated and loving dog, Muffy "Mahn". She spent the past five years, following the passing of her husband Bob, under the vigilant care of four very dedicated and loving caregivers, Linda Nelson, Wendy Nelson, Tina Adkins and Tammy Bauer, as well as the Appalachian Community Hospice Staff.

Despite her lingering illness Jean remained involved with the First Presbyterian Church of Athens, P.E.O., hosting special parties and receptions, and giving of her time to Ohio University where she and her husband Bob had made significant contributions and commitments to what is now known as the Robert E. and Jean R. Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections.

An early graduate of Wheaton College, an Associate of the Toronto Conservatory of Music at the age of 17, a student at Briercrest College, University of Delaware, Central Collegiate in Moosejaw, and several other institutes, Jean eventually became a member of the faculty and/or staff of Salem College and Academy, a small Christian Junior College, King's College in Delaware, and Eastern Baptist College, now Eastern College, before coming to Athens following her marriage to Bob in 1989.

Jean was never one to shy away from sharing her wonderful stories of travel, love and commitment. Whether it was delaying her marriage to Bob Mahn because she had only one ticket to sail the Queen Mary across the Atlantic, to getting her first bike in Canada, paying her own way through Wheaton College, or teaching and advising hundreds of students Jean could make you laugh, cry or simply share her joy.

Jean will be missed by all who had the privilege of her company. Interment will be in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan, at a private ceremony. A memorial will be held in Athens, Ohio at a date to be announced. Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home and a note of condolence may be sent to the family at www.jagersfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ohio University Robert E. and Jean R. Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, c/o The Ohio University Foundation, P.O. Box 869, Athens, Ohio 45701