Jeanne Rodgers Fowler, 83, born November 21, 1928 in Houston, Texas, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Rodgers, Jr. and Ruth Gildemeister Rodgers; and her husband, Christy C. (Kippy) Fowler.
She graduated from St. Agnes Academy in Houston and later attended The University of Houston, studying paleontology. Jeanne returned to school to attain her license as an LVN and then pursued and received a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from LSU. As an RN, her focus was in Neonatal Care. She worked as a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse in Alexandria, Louisiana until retiring from Nursing to care for her husband, Kippy.
In her youth, Jeanne spent summers at the family's ranch near Austin, developing a love for horses and nature. She was an accomplished pianist and loved music.
Jeanne raised 5 children with her first husband, Tom Penn, living in Houston, Texas. She was a loving and devoted mother.
In her personal life, Jeanne had a love of people and truly, "never met a stranger." She was a voracious reader and an avid conversationalist, never at a loss for a story. Many of her stories came from her experiences as a world traveler. Her love of people, cultures and travel fed her interest and facility with foreign languages. Jeanne was conversant in English, French, German and Spanish and delighted in picking up phrases in other languages as she traveled.
She traveled extensively, visiting every continent except Antarctica, including ballooning over the Serengeti Plains in Africa, trekking through the mountains in Uganda to see the gorillas, seeing the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, Jeruselem, Machu Pichu in South America and countless other adventures. Jeanne had an interest in art and jewelry, collecting watercolor paintings and ethnic art during her many travels. She leaves a rich collection of photos, travelogues and collected memories for her family to treasure for years to come.
Jeanne had a great love for people from all walks of life. She was known as "Mimi" to family and friends alike. Jeanne was always available for medical advice or to help with personal issues that her extensive experience would lend itself to. She was a devoted Catholic and lived the credo of "it is more blessed to give than to receive."
We will miss our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Jeanne. She has left a mark upon the world through her family, her work and her many friends. We will be telling and retelling her stories for years. Though we grieve her loss, we have been blessed by her life and influence and take comfort in the belief that she is at peace with her family and friends in Heaven.
Jeanne is survived by her children: daughter, Jeannette Penn and sons, Thomas Penn, Richard Penn, Robert Penn and wife Lina and John Penn and wife Paula; her grandchildren: Gabriel Gise and wife Cari, Nathan Gise, Stephanie Gise, Christian Horne, Talitha Muniz-Wallick and husband Manny, Colin Chase, Aleah Penn, Deven Penn, Kelsey Penn, Jared Hines and Courtney Penn; and her great-grandchildren: Trae Young, Phoenix Muniz-Wallick and Cassia Gise. Her extended family includes Jim Gise, MariMikel Potter and Catherine Williams. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Sadie.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 23, 2012, at St. Mary, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lago Vista, Texas followed by entombment at 1:00 p.m. at Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum in Austin, Texas.
By her wishes, memorials may be made in her name to charities of choice.
Please feel free to add a memory, a story, an observation or a blessing to Jeanne's Memorial Page. As we shared her life, we should share her memories so that her family and friends can more fully celebrate the life of this remarkable woman.