Jeanne E. Hutchison

West Point, 1988

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Shelly (Shumaker) Muhlenkamp on February 27, 2009:

Dearest Jeanne, I am so sad, so bewildered, at your sudden passing. You have been the most selfless, friendly, and uplifting person I have ever met. You always look for the best in people, no matter how hard they are trying to be unlikeable. My most favorite memory of you is the swim coach for our women's triathlon team at Fort Leavenworth in 2001. You would get up at the 0'dark thirty hour of swimmers everywhere, and meet 40 women at the pool in order to teach them how to swim better. Your gave up your own work out time, because that is just who you are Jeanne, selfless. Biking was a new joy to you, and you were out in the 35 degree weather with all the gear you could get on to keep you warm as you rode with the Santa Fe Bike Club. I know running was not your favorite thing, but you kept it up, and made a great running group with Nora and Shelly when you got to Korea. When we met up again in DC, you had accumulated your Asian accessories, and you and Hutch were the consummate hosts. Whether entertaining friends, co-workers, classmates, or cadets, you have a way of making everyone feel so welcome in your home. Your family has always been foremost in your life: supporting John with his scuba interests in freezing waters, attending Sarah's volleyball games from Georgia to New York, and your never ending love, support and respect for Hutch. My family and I were planning a trip back to see you all again after our USMA '88 twenty year reunion. Instead, I am coming back to West Point for your memorial service. It wasn't supposed to be like this. I will miss you so much, chaverah. Shalom, Kol Tuv, Shelly

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