Jeannine Lillian Jeffs

January 13, 1931 – August 22, 2025

Jeannine L. Jeffs (née Rouillard) passed away peacefully in her beloved Rockville, Maryland home of nearly 70 years, surrounded by her devoted family and caretakers.

Born in Manchester, New Hampshire, Jeannine was the eldest of three children to Adelina and Joseph Rouillard, French Canadian immigrants who instilled in her a deep love of learning and faith. Bilingual and intellectually gifted, she earned scholarships throughout her education and graduated as valedictorian of Rivier College's Class of 1952. Her academic excellence led her to a position as an analyst at the CIA, where she served with quiet distinction.

In 1953, she married her soulmate, Joseph E. Jeffs, whom she met while studying library science at Catholic University in Washington, DC. Together, they moved to Rockville in 1956 and built a life rooted in love, books, and civic engagement. Joe, Georgetown University's chief librarian for 30 years, shared with Jeannine a passion for history, travel, political engagement, and spirited conversation. Their marriage of 69 years was a testament to mutual respect, intellectual companionship, and unwavering love.

Jeannine was the proud mother to eight surviving children, Denise, Paul, Monica, Vincent, Peter, Anthony, Timothy, and Elizabeth; grandmother to 23; and great-grandmother to 11. During her decades of child rearing, some of her most cherished moments of repose were spent deep in reading. Her literary tastes were varied, but she especially enjoyed biographies of the wives of history's "great men", realizing that in their shadow often stood a woman of quiet influence.

Her maternal love and commitment to education shaped generations. She believed deeply in the power of books and travel to expand the mind and soul, and she passed that belief on to her family.

A lifelong learner and independent thinker, Jeannine was an accomplished oral historian, contributing interviews and articles to Peerless Rockville and the Montgomery County Archives. Her work preserved the voices of prominent local figures, including Charles W. Gilchrist, Dexter M. Bullard, Joseph Steinberg, and Rose K. Dawson. She also co-authored A Graham Greene Memoir with her husband, reflecting their personal friendship with the famed author.

Jeannine's civic spirit was evident in her years as an election judge and hospice volunteer. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and a member of the Alpha Group, a spiritual fellowship she and Joe cherished.

She is predeceased by her husband Joseph, her brothers Henri and Paul, and her parents. She leaves behind a legacy of forgiveness; maternal and marital devotion; intellectual curiosity; and self-respect.

In accordance with her wishes, memorial contributions may be made to CARE.org, an organization she supported for its mission to alleviate poverty and empower women.

A service will be scheduled for a later date.