Jeanette Lois Greiling

August 20, 1934 - January 10, 2018

Jeanette Lois Greiling passed away January 10, 2018 at the age of 83, with her loving husband of 60 years and her two sons in attendance. Well known in the West Linn community as a high school teacher, enthusiastic volunteer and caring mentor to so many, her life tapestry includes a broad spectrum of loving admirers. Born August 20, 1934 in South Bend, Washington, Jeanette is the only child of Glasco and Balbina Branson. She graduated from Marylhurst University in 1956, majoring in English Literature with minors in Speech and Drama, and met her lifelong love along the way. Jeanette married in 1957 in Portland, Oregon having taught school in Yakima, Washington, ultimately becoming an inspiring faculty fixture in the West Linn High School English department. Of her many accomplishments, charity work and interests, Jeanette was first and foremost an educator. Whether introducing foreign films to her classes, bringing English to life before their eyes with her passion and creativity, or lending a compassionate and genuinely caring ear to a student in need, she in many ways defined what it is to be a complete teacher. She gave selflessly of her time to volunteer organizations, active in Lions Club and as a one-on-one mentor to special needs students later in her life. Jeanette was a devoted animal lover, mother to her golden retriever Brooklynn, and gave generously to the Oregon Humane Society. She lent her considerable literary skills to her weekly writing group, “Honoring Our Memories” whose mission is to chronicle life in West Linn for future generations. She taught her son that there is no such word as “heighth”. During her life, Jeanette enjoyed camping, backpacking, the occasional fishing expedition with her husband, Thai food lunches with dear friends and generally being with her family. Jeanette will be missed dearly by her husband Rodney, with whom she shared a sacred bond they kept just for themselves. She is also survived by her sons Eric (Carol) and Richard, her grandchildren Rory, Allie, Rodney, and Alexandria (Clayton) Mullendore. Dear to her heart was her 1-year old great granddaughter Coralee. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Wiegand Chapel at Marylhurst University on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 11AM. All are welcome. The family asks that any donations be made to the Oregon Humane Society in her memory.