Jean B. Pariso

1925 - 2015
JEAN BRUNNER PARISO, 89, of Skillman NJ, passed away June 13, 2015. Jean was born December 26, 1925 in Reinholds, Pennsylvania. She was heavily influence by the Pennsylvania Dutch way of life with the German dialect creeping into annunciation now and then.
In a self-penned 'Autobiographical sketch', date unknown she wrote:
"Ever since I can remember an intense curiosity seemed to have been the primary motivating force in my life – a curiosity about the world I could see and feel and a curiosity about the life beyond my immediate environment. To the life beyond, my imagination was my passport; books, magazines, movies were my vessels."
Her imagination gave her wings. After "a happy and full high school education [Denver HS class of 1943, Valedictorian], the quest for more knowledge of the outside vastness led me to college [Cedar Crest College, Class of 1947, Salutatorian]".
She earned a BA majoring in Sociology and Political Science. She was the Editor of the paper; Inducted into National Journalism Fraternity and History Fraternity; Alpha Kappa Alpha; Pi Delta Epsilon; Press Club; Literary Society; Student Council; Concert Choir and Sextet; Drama: Honor teams for Basketball, Volleyball and Softball. Her achievements at CCC, gained her entry into the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges 1946-1947.
She moved to New York City to embark on her career. She began work with the Foster Home Department, as a Social Caseworker, eventually serving on the inter-agency committee to analyze and improve home finding techniques. She then began to pursue Public Relations: Toy Guidance Council [PR], American Broadcasting Company [Associate Producer of daytime TV show] and finally Cushman and Wakefield [PR for Commercial Real Estate]. She attended Columbia University, pursuing a Masters in Social Sciences.
Jean and Jesse Francis Pariso [deceased 2006] married in NYC August 1956 and settled in Skillman NJ on a small farm in 1958.
Becoming Public Relations director for Princeton Ballet Company [American Repertory Ballet] kept her close to theatre and the arts. Having worked for the Kennedy campaign, she remained a Democratic Party member all her life. A voracious reader, a staunch supporter of fair pay and rights of women (however, do not use the 'ist' word). Always close by was the NY Times; pouring over each section daily. Completing the Sunday NYT's crossword was a weekly event (dictionary nearby).
Survived by daughter, Penelope Pariso and grandson Jan-Michael Blakley, his wife Tiana and their soon to arrive son.
She gathered an extraordinary collection of friends along her journey of life. Hand writing personal correspondence and keeping the correspondences she received. She was a true believer in the power of the written word.
There will be a memorial gathering for reflection and celebration at the family farm in Skillman on July 29th at 5pm. Donations on behalf of Jean Brunner Pariso may be made to Cedar Crest College Alumnae Fund, Office of Institutional Advancement, 100 College Drive, Allentown, PA 18104