Jean Bodine’s Legacy Gift Ensures Her Continued Support for Future PHS Greening Initiatives

Jean Bodine (right) collaborating with PHS Past President Jane Pepper for the Azalea Garden Committee, 1991

Jean G. Bodine was a true champion for gardening and greening in Philadelphia with a legacy of involvement and philanthropic support with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society dating back to the 1960s. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 95 in August 2022.

In addition to many ways of being involved at PHS over the years, she was a member of the Legacy Society with a charitable bequest in her will. While the absence of her active involvement is felt by the PHS community, her thoughtful charitable planning now empowers PHS to carry forward her passion for greening initiatives that improve health and wellness in our communities.

1991 Azalea Garden Committee, Committee Co-chairs, Azalea Garden Party, l to r: James Bodine, Jean Bodine, Patricia McLaughlin, Cynthia Cheston, and Morris Cheston

As a further celebration of her life and impact, the McLean Contributionship, where Jean served as a trustee for many years supporting their focus on grant-making activities in the greater Philadelphia area, has created the first permanent endowment for Healthy Neighborhoods. The Jean Bodine Fund for PHS Healthy Neighborhoods will annually provide funding to support an array of gardening and community greening programs that PHS leads in collaboration with volunteers, neighborhood residents, and community partners.

There are many ways for donors to make meaningful philanthropic investments and commitments to PHS now and in the future.