Greenfield-Central High School Class of 1976
Reflecting on the impact of her Greenfield-Central education, Jeannie Crowe says, “My education went far beyond the subjects and lessons my teachers intended.” In elementary school she learned how to make friends and lose herself in books. In middle school, she discovered that she did not have a natural talent for sewing and cooking, but was pretty good at writing. The great high school teachers, says Jeannie were, “usually the ones following lesson plans loosely, like Doc Barret, Don Bishop, and Madame Roller. They provided me with an enduring interest in politics, an appreciation of French art and the ability to convey a message through effective public speaking skills.”
Jeannie began her adult life like many others – she married, had two children (son Wes Peek and daughter Gabie Benson), and built a career in optical care while raising her children. She discovered her strong interest, however, when she cared for her father suffering from cancer. She deeply saw the need for more and better care in his final months of life. At the age of 40, she began a new path and enrolled at IUPUI to study social services. She excelled, graduating at the top of her class, and continued on to get her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Indiana University.
Jeannie began her new career by serving as an Adjunct Professor for the IU School of Social Work for three years. She then joined Hancock Regional Hospital, starting as a social worker, but quickly became involved in the hospice program. She genuinely loved working with patients and their families to determine the best course of care for all. Jeannie joined the conversations, with then CEO Bobby Keen, about the need for an in-house hospice unit and how it might work. Hospice became her passion. She became an integral part of the unit’s development and spoke to anyone and everyone about hospice care and what it would mean to the community. She talked to service groups, doctors, churches, senior centers, friends, and family. If someone was willing to listen, she was willing to talk to them. She raised money for the new unit, but also educated people, explaining what the word “hospice” meant and why that type of care was different than traditional care and needed.
Jeannie served as assistant director of the new hospice unit and then became its director for many years. She organized and started several programs at the hospital including the Luminary Memorial at Christmas time. In 2018, the hospital’s Hospice Program was recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SPH) as a “Superior Performer” for achieving an overall caregiver and family satisfaction score that ranked it in the top 20% of the country.
Currently the Director of Social Services at Hancock Regional Hospital, Jeannie serves on the board of Suburban Home Health. This led the way for the creation of Suburban Hospice, Inc., now providing end-of-life services into other communities as well. Jeannie is also Executive Director of Suburban Hospice, Inc. and continues to grow and improve these programs. Suburban Hospice received the SPH Best Premier Performer Award for the past two years with a satisfaction ranking in the top 5% of the country. Jeannie’s experiences and expertise have given her opportunities to be a keynote speaker at several national conventions, furthering her passion to educate and inspire others.
Says Debbie Wilkerson, her nominator, “So many people have told me about the care and compassion Jeannie provides in very difficult and emotional circumstances. She has a gift for listening, caring and helping. She has been instrumental in bringing quality hospice services to our community. I know our community is a better place because Jeannie lives and works here.”
Lessons and experiences from student life in hallways, clubs and the community provided the basis for Jeannie’s career and smoothed her path through life: “Be curious about people, ask them questions and listen carefully, smile at people, be nice to everyone, stand up straight, memorize your locker combination and don’t be afraid to make fun of yourself.” says Jeannie.
A lifetime resident of Greenfield, Jeannie declares, “I am proud to be a part of the community and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to give something back. Thank you for this honor.”
Congratulations, Jeannie!