Jeanne Marie Cratin

Jeanne Marie Cratin passed away peacefully on September 27, 2023, after a long, difficult fight with cancer. She was the oldest daughter of John and Rebecca Cratin. She is survived by her partner of 20 years, David Genther; her sister and brother-in-law, Jacqueline and Paul Smith; her brother, John Cratin; and her sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne and John Alexander. In addition, she adored her nieces and nephews: PK Smith and partner Michael Brigoli; Hannah Stewart, husband Stephen Stewart, and daughter Teagan Stewart; and Cameron and Henri Alexander. Jeanne was the consummate friend to anyone fortunate enough to call her one. The first to deliver a meal or help in time of need, Jeanne was tireless in supporting those she loved. Her family, cousins, and those around her often referred to her as one of the kindest, caring people they have ever encountered. Jeanne was known for her beautiful smile and her sincere interest in others. She was the type of person who asked how you were, listened to the answer, and carried your burdens with you. Jeanne was the ultimate gourmet, always up on the latest cooking trends and mastering each one. If one called her at any point in the day, she was in the kitchen making food for someone or trying a new dish. David called her the queen of pie, and her baked goods were beyond compare. She subscribed to America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Illustrated and had every hard copy of Gourmet magazine ever published. Jeanne had an encyclopedic knowledge of food, cooking, gardening, movies, literature, and art. In her spare time, she visited every art museum in Philadelphia and Manhattan and brought along anyone she could to share what she considered a most aesthetic experience. If one called her to tell her about something read in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, or Vanity Fair, she had already read it and was eager to chat about it. Jeanne loved the theatre. In her college days, she lived in Drama house at the University of Rochester and acted in plays with Lance Reddick and attended acting workshops with Glenda Jackson. She loved to attend all forms of theater, dance, and music, and participated in swing dancing classes whenever she could. Jeanne loved the beach, especially Cape Cod. She was given the gift of watching a sunset on the beach through FaceTime in the days before her passing. In Maya Angelou’s 2008 book, Letter to My Daughter, she describes the enduring impact of a compassionate and generous spirit as: A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again. In honor of Jeanne’s generous spirit, the family suggests that you donate to a charity of your choice in her name. A memorial service will be held on October 28, 2023 at 11:00AM preceded by an interment at 10:30AM at Plymouth Friends Quaker Meeting, 2150 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. All are welcome.

Tributes

Jeanne Marie Cratin

March 11, 1962 - September 27, 2023