MARLOW, JEANNETTE, MD A pioneering woman in medicine, died at Geer Village in Canaan Ct on October 1, 2016. The science of healing, fine arts, and an avid curiosity about world culture, politics, and the natural world provided the colorful threads of Jeannette’s life tapestry. Her vision, knowledge, and creativity, ensured many a child‘s life would be enriched, and community group enhanced. Born October 30, 1922 to Dorothy Clarke and Charles William Marlow in New York City. Jeannette grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. After graduating from Battin H.S. in 1939, she received a B.A. from Denison University in Granville Ohio in 1943. Despite the fact that Jeannette was coming of age during a time in history when women’s participation in the profession of medicine was significantly restricted; her spirit and strong intellect led her to the Medical College of Pennsylvania where she graduated in 1947 and began her lifelong journey and commitment to the service of others. Jeannette married John Shami, MD on June 14, 1947. She enjoyed a private Pediatric practice for seven years after settling in Chappaqua, N.Y. Followed by working as a school physician where she assisted in the development of a screening tool to identify children with hyperactivity and other behaviors that might interfere with their learning before entering Kindergarten. Additionally, she was a visiting Pediatrician on the Staffs of Babies Hospital, Vanderbilt Clinic and the Northern Westchester Hospital. She is also responsible for setting up the Nephrosis Clinic at Grasslands Hospital. In 1967 she began work as Chief of Pediatric Services at Letchworth Village Developmental Center. During the following 7 years she led a team that developed a program enabling children to acquire the skills necessary to live in a more “normal” environment, either at home or in a community setting. This was the beginning of “deinstitutionalization” and the closing of these large institutions. In 1974 Jeannette moved to Kent, CT when appointed Medical Director at Wassaic Developmental Center. Here she developed a program to assure the continuity of resident care through staff shift change meetings during which case reports were presented. She is remembered by many at Wassaic as a mentor; an inspirational presence who encouraged aids to pursue nursing and other professional degrees. She retired in 1991. Retirement allowed her to enjoy her 1780’s restored farmhouse as well as winters on Marco Island, FL. Her work in medicine continued as she volunteered at the Callier City, Fl. Pediatric Clinic. Here she engaged with the parents and children of the Immokalee farm workers and assisted in the development of a literacy and citizenship program. Jeannette was past president of the American Association of University Women. She received the Physicians Recognition Award from the American Medical Association in 1977 and also was awarded The Alumni Citation by Denison University. She found time to volunteer and was a board member of two local organizations; Northwest Center for Family Services and Women’s Emergency Services. Jeannette enjoyed art, golf, gardening, foreign affairs, choir and bridge. She is survived by her four children; Susan Shami, Marlow (Dottie) Shami, Wendy Shami, John Shami and her grandchild Isaac Shami. Her sister Virginia Miller and brother Neil Marlow also survive Jeannette. A Memorial service will be held Saturday November 19, 2016, 2:00 PM at the Kent, CT Congregational Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Defense Fund, Immokalee Farm Workers or the Kent Congregational Church.
