Jeanne Mellin Herrick

1927 - 2015

Jeanne Mellin
Herrick
PIERMONT, NH
On November 21, 2015, renowned artist and Morgan horse ambassador, Jeanne Mellin Herrick, passed away at St Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, NY. Jeanne was born on February 3, 1927, in Stamford, Connecticut, the daughter of Kenneth and Marjorie Mellin. Jeanne grew up in New Canaan, CT, until the Mellin family moved to Piermont, NH, in the early 1950s. Jeanne's love of horses started at a very early age. She began riding with Margaret Cabel Self in New Canaan, CT, and was part of her "Junior Cavalry of America". Jeanne's first pony was a little pinto pony named "Geometry". The next horse that came into Jeanne's life was a 3 year old grade Morgan mare named "Bonnie" who is ultimately responsible for Jeanne's lifelong love and devotion to the Morgan horse. Jeanne began sketching and painting horses as a youngster and continued her studies at the Rhode Island School of Design where she graduated with a degree in Fine Art. She went on to have a very successful career as a professional artist, author, and illustrator. Jeanne's work is owned by some of the most important collectors of equine art in the US, Europe, and around the world. On October 23, 1955, in Piermont, New Hampshire, Jeanne married Fred Herrick, her husband of over 55 years. Together they had a successful career breeding, training, and showing Morgan horses. In 1968, they welcomed Nancy, their beautiful and beloved daughter, into the world. Over the years, Jeanne has been awarded numerous awards and recognition, including the very first Morgan Horse Woman of the Year Award in 1964, as well as being inducted into the American Morgan Horse Association Hall of Fame in 1989, just to name a few. Some of Jeanne's fondest memories were riding her much loved Morgan horses, Applevale Katonah & Applevale Kinsman. She spoke often of the many trips to England and all the wonderful times she spent riding and painting at her dear friend Angela Connor Bulmer's farm, "Monnington". Jeanne was predecessed by her husband, Fred, in 2013. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Jeanne Herrick, and her much loved granddaughter, Victoria Lee Weaver, both of Cedar Lake, NY. She is also survived by her cherished sister and best friend, Joan Osgood and Joan's husband, Dean, of Piermont, NH, as well as nieces and nephews, Wendy Soucy, Heidi Osgood-Metcalf, Cindy Timmons, Richard Osgood, Mark Osgood, Chris Osgood and Jon Mellin. The family would like to thank Jeanne's closest friends, Joanne Smail, Joan Prindle and Paul Gunther, for all the love and support that allowed Jeanne to remain at her home and studio where she never put a pen or pencil down. Many thanks also to the wonderful, caring nurses at St Joseph's Hospital 5th Flr Telemetry Unit. Jeanne will return home to Piermont, NH, and be laid to rest on Monday, November 30th, 2015, at the South Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements by Burgess and Tedesco Funeral Home, Hamilton, NY. A "Celebration of Life" service will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jeanne's name to the New York State Morgan Horse Society, Forever Morgans Rescue, Morgan Safenet or any organization that directly promotes the history and welfare of the Morgan Horse. To send a condolence and sign the Book of Memories online, go to: www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com