Jean W. Rodman

Jean Winne Rodman. 88 of Oakmont, passed on Sunday, October 28, 2018. Loving wife for 49 years to the late Sayre Rodman, her life-long partner in outdoor adventures. Born in Sewickley, Jean and her younger sister, the late Marion (Winne) Birmingham, grew up and lived for many years in Coraopolis and Moon Township with their parents Harris B. and Marie (Mollenkopf) Winne. Surviving family includes daughters Elizabeth “Buff” Rodman of Oakmont and Ann (Colleen Eldred) Rodman of Gardiner, MT, grandchildren Benjamin and Isabel Rodman, and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Jean graduated from Moon Twp High School (1948), and Slippery Rock State Teacher's College (1952). After a few years teaching High School Physical Education and Science, she met Sayre and they set out to enjoy life and raise a family together, exploring wild places through rock-climbing, mountaineering, caving, hiking, skiing, and boating. An early pioneer of eastern white-water rafting, Jean was one of the group of boaters making first descents on the Youghiogheny, Cheat, and Gauley rivers. Later in life, the transition from raft to canoe allowed Jean to continue camping and running rivers into her eighties. She was a founding member of the Pittsburgh Climbers, served on the board of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, former Commodore of the Sylvan Canoe Club, past President of the Oakmont Garden Club, and a member of the Oakmont Women's Club. Jean was also an accomplished photographer, a voracious reader, especially mysteries, and she loved her gardens, cats, and Saturday yard sales. She was an inspiration to many and we really miss her. A celebration of Jean's life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Riverview Community Action Corporation in Oakmont or the West Virginia Rivers Coalition in Charleston, WV.  Arrangements entrusted to English Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. Oakmont, PA.  Online condolences may be made to: englishfuneralhome.com

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