Jeanne Elaine Geller

Jeanne Elaine Geller

Jeanne Elaine Geller (nee Kruszynski) a teacher and long-time resident of Olean, New York, died on February 11, 2024, at the age of 78, in her home in Hollister, California. Jeanne was born to Eugene and Pearle Kruszynski on March 11, 1945 in Boston, MA. She is survived by her sister Laura Rattaire and brother-in-law Michel Rattaire of Belmont, CA, niece, Jennifer Metz and husband, Eric Metz of Sonoma, CA, and nephew Jesse Kruszynski of Sebastopol, CA.

Jeanne's family settled in San Bernardino and then the Redlands, CA in the early 1950s. She graduated from Redlands High School in Redlands, CA in 1963 and received her BA in English and her MA in Education from St. Bonaventure University, NY.

Jeanne spent her career as a dedicated, talented, and much loved teacher at East View Elementary School in the Olean City School District. She taught first and fifth grades. And was the director and sole teacher of the district's Gifted and Talented Program for many years. Jeanne served as a delegate and the president of the Olean Teachers Union, where she was adept at negotiating favorable contracts on behalf of her fellow teachers.

After her retirement in 2006, Jeanne returned to California in 2012 to be near her brother, Wayne, and sister, Laura. She stayed in close touch with family and her many dear friends from New York, remaining loyal 'til the end.

Jeanne's passions included gardening, politics, NPR, MSNBC, hot peppers, cats, cooking, Elvis, the ocean, the Outer Banks, NC, margaritas, and everything purple.

The family is having a Celebration of Life on April 27th in Belmont, CA.

If desired, donations may be made in Jeanne's name to your local public radio station, public television station, or a charity of your choice.