Jean MacLean Jankowski

Jean MacLean Jankowski, 88, passed away peacefully at her home in New Albany, Ohio on August 7, 2025. She was born in Cleveland on May 3, 1937 to the late Louise (Hellman) and Joseph MacLean.

Jean grew up in Mansfield and after completing a post-graduate year at Mary A. Burnham in Northampton, Massachusetts returned to Cleveland. There, she met Alan – her husband of 59 years – at a General Electric employee bowling league. She worked for 13 years at GE Nela Park before dedicating herself to raising three daughters while also serving as a “full-time” community volunteer. Jean lived a life of service to both her family and community. She held various volunteer positions with the Aurora City School system, Western Reserve Girl Scout Council, First Presbyterian Church of Granville and Robbins Hunter Museum. Her later years were focused on her passion for gardening and floral arranging. She held leadership positions in both the Newark and Granville Garden Clubs and ultimately served as president of the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs (OAGC).

Jean was both a life-long learner and teacher, who approached every day with positivity, creativity and a sparkle in her eye. Whether mentoring junior gardeners or organizing a group of volunteers, her zest for life was contagious. Jean’s warmth, grace and giving spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She celebrated every day like a holiday – her joy was magnetic and her Christmas decorations legendary. To be in Jean’s presence was to feel supported and deeply loved.

She was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Judith and Donald Armstrong. Jean is survived by her husband Alan; daughters, Sarah of Boston, MA, Kate of Denver, CO, and Martha of Columbus, OH; nieces, Sue (Hal Sadofsky) and Jane (Chris Zitelli); one great-niece and one great-nephew.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The OAGC Foundation Education Resource Fund (www.oagc.org/foundation-donations).

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