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Jean Stephans Kavanagh
Jean Stephans Kavanagh
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Jean Kavanagh Obituary
Of Lubbock, TX, a native of Forest Hills, age 61, died peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on Friday, January 25, 2008. Jean was the daughter of the late Rita P.(Nehrig) and John G. Stephans. Beloved mother of Douglas Camann. Sister of Donna Dowd, Carol Appleby, John Stephans, Rita Behr, Greg Stephans, Mark Stephans, Dan Stephans, Chris Miles, and Noreen Roy. Also survived by 23 Nieces and Nephews, and 7 Grand-Nieces and Nephews. Born in Pittsburgh, PA , Jean studied Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA from 1964 - 1969. She received her Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture in 1976 and her Masters of Landscape Architecture in 1982 from Cornell University, Ithaca NY. Jean was an Associate Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Texas Tech University, Lubbock TX. She joined the department in 1990 after teaching Landscape Architecture at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst ('82-'89). She was active in community and professional outreach and has served as an officer of the Texas Chapter of the ASLA, the Horticultural Therapy Association, Sigma Lambda Alpha National Landscape Architecture Honor Society, and the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA). Jean pioneered in the study of the design of therapeutic landscapes in the United States. In 1995, she was recognized as one of the top women in Landscape Architecture. During the Centennial ASLA Meeting in Boston, MA, in 1999, she was inducted into the College of Fellows of the ASLA in recognition of her efforts in this area of research. Her teaching awards include the Tau Sigma Delta Outstanding Faculty of the Year in 1996, CELA's Award of Distinction in Teaching, Research and Public Service in 1995 and a shared CELA Special Award for Design Methods in 1982. In 2001, she chaired the national faculty awards programs for both Sigma Lambda Alpha and CELA. Friends welcome Wednesday 7 - 9 pm and Thursday 2-4 & 7-9 pm at PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 Linden Avenue, East Pittsburgh, PA 412- 824-8800. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Maurice Church, Forest Hills, on Friday at 10am. The family requests Memorial Donations be made to Texas Tech Foundation (Jean Stephans Kavanagh Endowment), P.O. Box 42123, Lubbock TX 79409 or, Maryknoll Missionaries, in care of Robert V. Nehrig, P.O. Box 304, Maryknoll, NY 10545.
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25 Entries
karen kane
February 19, 2008
TO THE ENTIRE STEPHANS FAMILY,
~~ Jean will be missed,as such
a presious person in so many lives AND ~~~ YET ~~~~
~ JEANS' "LIGHTHEARTED SPIRIT" WILL SURROUND YOU;BE PRESENT FOR YOU TO TALK TO IN THE WINDS,RAINS,WARM SUNSHINE, AND IN THE FLOWERS YOU NEXT PLANT OR STOP TO ADMIRE.
~~WE BELIEVE THIS TO BE TRUE.~ ~
LOVE,
RAND& KAREN KANE
Alex Jones
February 2, 2008
I will never forget how much Jean helped me. She really was one of the nicest people you could ever meet, and I will forever be grateful for her wisdom and guidance in landscape architecture and in life. Her presence will be missed everyday at Texas Tech. I don't have a memory in my mind of her that does not have her smiling and laughing. I know she is still just as happy wherever she is now.
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Cara Lowrimore-Springer
January 31, 2008
"There is no greater joy, nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone's life." Thank you Jean for your advice, knowledge and belief in the lost ones, belief the path was there, we just needed to find it.
Blue "flowers" for four seasons. Thanks, Jean.
January 31, 2008
Jean's floral work
January 31, 2008
Chris Scott
January 31, 2008
Jean was a very special lady and an amazing Landscape Architect. I am very proud to have known her and studied under and beside her. She will be missed.
Heather and Jean, Graduation Day - 2005
Heather Corley - Dumas
January 31, 2008
The entire graduating class of 2005 will forever remember the kindness and loving heart of Jean. She meant something to each of us. For me, what I remember most was how she never failed to keep her students in her thoughts no matter what time of day it was. Our class would be up at the pavilion pulling the routine “all-nighters” and Jean would pop in all through the night, even at 2:00 in the morning in her pajama’s, bringing bags and bags of snacks and goodies and wouldn’t leave until she visited with each of us and give last minute advice and helpful hints in whatever we were working on. I never saw her without a smile on her face. I will miss Jean tremendously, but will carry her in my heart always. May the Lord be with your spirit.
Jean's photography of Portland roses.
January 31, 2008
Teresia Hazen
January 30, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with Jean's family. Jean's leadership and mentor role inspired so many and with so many remarkable results. I miss a dear friend, colleague and professional. I want to remember her laughter and kindness. Jean suggested I paint antique garden chairs a vibrant blue to have flowers that could be moved about the garden any season. Such lovely memories. Thank you, Jean.
Jake Seideman
January 30, 2008
I will truly miss Jean. She was one of the most truly kind people I've ever met. She is the reason I stuck it out through the rigors that are Landscape Architecture. She was an esteemed professor, but above all she was a cherished friend.
Amanda Richardson
January 30, 2008
Jean will be missed not only as a professor but as a mentor and friend. Her creativity, laughter and energy always made the classroom fun and exciting. Jean touched so many lives and made many landscape architects who they are today. The world has lost a wonderful woman and contributor.
Carol Halko
January 30, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the Stephans family. The landscape is more beautiful because of Jean. Those she taught will continue Jean's dreams.
pete
January 30, 2008
I will miss the teachings that we got and could have gotten as school draws to a close for me. I loved trying to pick her brain of the knowledge that she had. She enjoyed teaching and the students that were a part of her life.
Annie Kirk, ASLA, HTG PPN
January 30, 2008
After a decade of mentorship and delightful friendship, I am saddened to learn of Ms. Jean’s passing. The landscape will not be the same. Her legacy leaves us to cross disciplines to collaborate with colleagues "because we are only going to do better if we all work together" and do so with gusto. Jean’s humor and downright clever charm lit every room. She gave so much and was a reminder of tempering one’s serious side with laughter. Will miss our “Fellowrina’s” sparkle, generous heart, and stimulating repartee – and most of all, her knowing wink and nod, confirming that indeed, she was “pickin’ up what you were puttin’ down.”
Shirley Roy
January 30, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Stephans family. May it comfort you to know you are loved and in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Sarah Hobson
January 30, 2008
I've always loved Jean and she will always have a special place in my heart. Like a mother with her young, she taught with love and great knowledge.
TX ASLA Secretary - Amanda Snowbarger
January 29, 2008
The Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects will miss such a devoted leader. God Bless.
TX ASLA remembers Jean: www.texasasla.org
Richard Rome
January 29, 2008
Jean taught from the heart and never hesitated to speak her mind. She will be missed for both. My deepest sympathy to her family and to all those, like myself, whose lives she touched and made better by being there. May God grant her eternal peace.
Kenneth Oldenski
January 29, 2008
My deepest sympathy to you upon your loss. You and your loved one will be remembered by me at my celebration of Mass. Sincerely yours, Father Kenneth E. Oldenski, St. Richard Church, Gibsonia, PA
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