ROCKPORT - Jeanne Rachko (65), a loving mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away on December 31st, 2024 after complications from a stroke. Jeanne lived her life as a free spirit and was not afraid to be herself. Her family and friends described her as a creative soul, brilliant artist, supportive colleague, inspirational teacher, generous friend, creator of beautiful spaces, advocate against injustice, empath of children, fierce mama lion, and one-of-a-kind.

Jeanne grew up in Rhode Island and moved to the Boston area as a young adult to attend Massachusetts College of Art. She raised her daughter in Jamaica Plain where they frequented the Jamaica Pond. She was a doting and loving parent. Jeanne was an art teacher at the Mission Hill School for 22 years where she inspired her students and fellow teachers with innovative and engaging projects and lessons. She planned yearly art shows where her display of children's artwork in the classrooms and hallways brought the school to life. In one of her teacher reviews, she was described as a "Goddess of education". She spent the last 3 years of her life retired and living at her home in Rockport. She enjoyed creating beautiful art pieces which she sold at a shop in the center of town. She once said having a view of the ocean from her home was a dream come true, and she was never tired of looking out at the sea. She took frequent trips to Salem on the commuter rail to visit her daughter and two beloved grandchildren. She was a deeply protective and caring mother and grandmother (Gigi) who would do anything for their comfort and happiness.

She leaves behind 6 siblings: Kathy Carreau (David Carreau), Karen Stopfel (Steven Stopfel), Lois Barbieri (Bill Barbieri), Ann Vincente (Ilidio Vincente), Joseph Rachko (Mariann Rachko), Jennifer Kollek (John Kollek), a daughter Brigita Chang (Justin Chang), and two grandchildren: Finn and Faye Chang.

Jeanne will be greatly missed and forever cherished. Her memory will live on through the lives of the many people she touched.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jeanne's funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Friday, January 31st at 4 P.M. Her service will also be livestreamed via TribuCast, you may access it live by clicking the link https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25019509898652 or by copying and pasting into your web browser. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.