Jennie Anne Schilken

On Thursday, September 1, 2022, at age 80, Jennie Anne Schilken passed suddenly in Pittsburgh surrounded by family, love, and music. Jennie was born in Pittsburgh on August 29, 1942 to Mary Ella Markey (Hughes) and William Hartzel Markey. Jennie completed her post graduate studies at Duquesne University and spent her life enriching the lives of others as a teacher for over 25 years in schools serving the City of Pittsburgh, in various schools attended by her own daughters, and for years at the Katherine Dean Tillotson School in the areas of special education and early childhood developmental learning. Following her retirement, Jennie continued her giving by volunteering with local political groups, sharing her home with Haitians studying at Duquesne, and giving generous donations to other organizations. Jennie exemplified love and care through her lifetime spent with her husband and best friend of 54 years (Regis Henry Schilken, Jr.) as they raised their children, explored the wonder of nature on trips, and provided an incredibly friendly, compassionate, and comforting sanctuary for conversations, gatherings, and sharing to everyone they touched. She tirelessly stepped up to the plate working to right wrongs. Jennie cared about the special touches - homemade birthday cakes, beautifully hosted family gatherings, little surprises in school lunches, and providing excellent family barber services. Jennie was passionate about learning and was honored to be a 25 year member of a local book club.
Jennie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother-in-law Ken Krebs; her sisters-in-law Nancy Krebs and Kathy Thompson; and her nephew Mark Schilken. She is survived by her daughters Cathy Schilken (Chris Ruscitti), Marnie Schilken (Shane Freeman), and Sunitha Somanath (Bruce Giroux); her grandchildren Haven, Greyson, Milan, and Rowan; her brothers Bill Markey, Mike Markey, Paul Markey (Penny); her sister Betty Markey (Don Herman); her brother-in-law Charles Schilken (Eileen); and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.
Services are private. As a celebration of her life, her family asks that donations be made to Fonkoze USA, 1900 L Street NW, Ste 304, Washington DC 20036, www.fonkoze.org. Arrangements by Natural Funeral Company.
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