In Memory of Jeannette Savage

Jeannette Savage, a longtime resident of Downey, was called home to heaven on Monday, July 6th, 2015. Jeannette was born September 20, 1923 in Lafayette, Louisiana. She was the second daughter of Homer and Laura Perry. She grew up in the Lafayette area and graduated Bunkie High School in 1940. She attended college at Southern Louisiana Institute and graduated with a BS degree in Education (Math and Physical Education) in June, 1944. She began her teaching career as a coach and at different times also taught math. She married Hartsell in August of 1947 and began a family in Bastrop, Louisiana. Jeannette and her family moved from Louisiana to Southern California in 1962 and eventually settled in Downey. She stopped coaching and began teaching math at East Jr. High until 1977 when she transferred to Downey Sr. High. She retired from Downey High in June of 1990 after a 46-year teaching career. During this time she received the honor of Teacher of the Year in the early 70s and twice again in the mid and late ‘80s. Jeannette was also the recipient of the Jaime Escalante Award for Outstanding Teaching in Math in 1989. After retirement, she remained active in her church as well as the Daughters of the American Revolution in which she held several leadership positions. Jeannette and her husband, Hartsell, enjoyed their retirement years making various trips both domestic & international as well as spending time with their ever growing family. During her career, Jeannette touched the lives of thousands of students as well as their families. She will be fondly remembered by them for her southern “drawl” as well as her challenge to make them “think”. She will be remembered by her family for her love of God and family. A family graveside service was held on Wednesday, July 15th at Rose Hills in Whittier. She is survived by her three sons, Homer of Mission Viejo, CA, Dan of Lake Stevens, WA and David of Parker, CO, their wives as well as 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.