Sun City resident shares her time, talent and treasure to bless others
By Susie Steckner
Dr. Jeanne Blanchet has lived a life rich with family and friends, as well as professional successes and worldwide travel. Through it all, she has committed to sharing her blessings and supporting her community.
Her philanthropy has taken many forms. Jeanne regularly volunteers and generously contributes to several nonprofit organizations, including Sun Health Foundation. An accomplished author and pianist, she has also offered her talents – whether composing a song or writing a work of fiction – to help enrich others’ lives.
“I’ve been blessed to have a lot of opportunity,” Jeanne said. “I am grateful for wonderful parents who set that example of giving and caring for other people, and trying to make their lives better through the causes they support.”
Sun Health Foundation is particularly close to Jeanne’s heart. A longtime supporter, she has seen the evolution of the foundation and its far-reaching impact in the community.
“I support many charities, and Sun Health is really one of the best,” she said. “I can’t think of a better cause than to support Sun Health and all the wonderful work the Foundation is doing.”
Jeanne has enjoyed a full life that she shared for many years with her late husband Bill. She nurtured numerous passions and was fortunate to see them play out in both the classroom and community.
A retired educator, Jeanne earned her Ph.D. in Asian Studies, lived in Japan for five years, and focused her career on teaching at the university level. She also showed a great affinity for languages and speaks French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Chinese. Never one to stop learning, Jeanne is currently mastering conversational Greek through an online program.
But education isn’t the only passion that has taken center stage in Jeanne’s life. Early on, Jeanne developed a love for the arts, everything from art to literature to theater. She carved out time from her career for singing, playing piano, and writing. Jeanne recently published her 11th book, a novel titled Man at the Cross Road (available through Amazon).
The common thread throughout Jeanne’s life has been giving and sharing, said Bonnie Olsen, a development director for Sun Health Foundation. Jeanne offers a broad range of support for Sun Health Foundation.
Jeanne is a volunteer at Banner Boswell Medical Center, serving as a patient liaison and guided imagery practitioner. She has made financial contributions to support various Sun Health programs and the Banner Sun Health Research Institute, which conducts research in age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Jeanne has also included Sun Health Foundation in her estate.
There’s no question why Sun Health tops the list of organizations that Jeanne supports.
“They do so much to enhance the quality of life of people,” she said. “They are helping people right here in the community.”
Bonnie said it’s easy to see that Jeanne has a “philanthropic heart.”
“I like to think I do,” Jeanne said. “I like to help people as much as I can.”
