Donor Spotlight: Jeanette Marbourg
“Hello, kids, are you keeping out of trouble?”
Whenever Jeanette Marbourg walked through the Foundation doors—or whenever we stopped by to visit her at the Ephrata Senior Center or at home—she greeted us as “kids” or “girls.” It always made us chuckle. Jeanette had a smile that could light up a room and a wonderfully spunky spirit that kept everyone around her on their toes.
On August 18, Jeanette passed away peacefully. It is difficult to think that she is no longer just a phone call or visit away, but we are grateful for the many memories she gave us and for the lasting legacy she leaves behind. This is her story.
Jeanette was born on October 13, 1936, in Syracuse, Kansas, to Dee and Leta Northcutt, joining her older sister, Peggy. When Jeanette was six months old, the family moved to Central Oregon, where she spent the next 17 years growing up on the family farm in Powell Butte.
In April 1954, the family moved to Quincy, Washington, where they continued farming in the Quincy Valley. Jeanette graduated from Quincy High School in 1955.
Following graduation, Jeanette moved to Seattle and began what would become a lifelong career with the telephone company. She retired from U.S. West after more than 36 years of service, having held a variety of positions and worked in several locations. Throughout her career—and through the company’s various name changes—Jeanette formed friendships with coworkers that lasted for decades.
Retirement opened the door to new adventures. Jeanette and her traveling companion, Faye Brown, explored destinations near and far, including Russia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Panama and New York City, along with many memorable places throughout the United States.
Jeanette never knew a stranger. She made friends wherever she went and approached life with an inquisitive mind, a sense of adventure and a genuine interest in the people around her.
In 1975, Jeanette was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She faced the challenges of the disease with the same determination, independence and spirited personality that defined so much of her life.
Although Jeanette did not have children of her own, she believed deeply in the value of education and wanted to help young people pursue their dreams. She established a donor-advised fund with the Columbia Basin Foundation and, for the past 20 years, has provided scholarships to Ephrata High School graduates pursuing degrees in veterinary medicine, engineering, agriculture or the medical field.
To date, the Jeanette Marbourg Scholarship has awarded $34,000 to 27 deserving students. Her generosity also extended to the Ephrata Senior Center, where she supported projects and helped strengthen an organization that was important to her.
Jeanette was truly a delight to know, and we will miss her dearly. She always seemed to have a twinkle in her eye and a way of brightening our day whenever she stopped by.
We are deeply grateful for Jeanette’s friendship and charitable generosity. While we will miss the laughter, the visits and hearing her ask whether we “kids” were staying out of trouble, her impact will continue for generations. Through the scholarship she so thoughtfully established, Jeanette’s legacy of generosity, education and opportunity will live on in perpetuity.