Jeanne Marie Froeb
Obituary
Jeanne Froeb, Ph.D, age 93, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her daughters on May 5, 2023. Jeanne was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Margaret and A.H Riney. She attended Bartlesville High and received her BA from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. She also received an M.A. from the University of Tulsa, followed there with a Ph.D in British Literature.
Jeanne married Charles Froeb in 1952. The couple moved to Chicago and returned to Tulsa in 1954, where they remained the rest of their lives.
Jeanne taught at Tulsa Community College for 30 years, from its inception until her retirement. She was an inspiring professor for many students. Jeanne was an accomplished writer and an avid reader. She lived independently in her house until her death, and not surprisingly, the house overflowed with books.
She balanced her career and family with style and grace. She was devoted to her husband and children. She was beautiful, gracious, kind, and clever. Everyone enjoyed her wit and sense of humor. Even as her health declined, Jeanne was still ready with a quick retort.
She loved to travel with her sisters, mother and daughters, and they enjoyed many wonderful adventures together. Jeanne and Charlie entertained frequently in their home, and the parties always ended with singing around the piano while Charlie played. The Froeb daughters have fond memories of sitting at the top of the staircase and admiring guests in their cocktail attire, while listening to hearty singing and thunderous piano playing.
Jeanne was a member of the Junior League of Tulsa, St. John’s Episcopal Church and Southern Hills Country Club.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Herman Froeb. She is survived by her daughter Janet Froeb, daughter and son-in-law Julie and Douglas Phillips, and daughter and son-in-law Edith and George Coen. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Kathleen and her husband Flavio Gallo, grandson Myles Coen, and granddaughter Grace and her husband Chris Riess. Her great-grandchildren are Audrey and Leah Gallo.
A private memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank cousins Kevin Bennett and Cindy Bennett for their care, concern, and weekly visits to Jeanne. Special acknowledgement and profound gratitude are given to Jerry Schuster for his exceptional private nursing care. The family also expresses their thanks to caregivers and friends Dakota Crowder, Michelle Gahagan, Emily Oliphant, Shaunisty Brocklesby, Chen Duncan, Kelly Watt, Carrie Thurston, and Miller Hospice. Donations can be made to the VETri Program at the Tulsa Glassblowing School, 7440 E. 7th Street, Tulsa, OK 74112.
Events
Tributes & Memories
I'm very sorry to hear about Dr. Froeb. She was a tremendous friend to my entire family, especially to my mother. My dad was just recounting about how my mother would always call Dr. Froeb whenever she needed cheering up because Dr. Froeb was always able to lift her spirits; she considered Dr. Froeb her best friend. I don't have a lot of pictures from my childhood, but I wanted to include a picture from a lovely brunch that Dr. Froeb hosted for my sister's wedding. My brother-in-law's family all had traveled to Tulsa for the wedding, so we really appreciated having an additional event for them to attend. That same weekend, there were too many guests staying at my parents' home so Dr. Froeb put up me and my partner (Tiffany) in her home. That was the first time Tiffany had met Dr. Froeb, but Tiffany was immediately charmed. Dr. Froeb just seemed to have that sort of effect on people. She was so full of good cheer and had a twinkle about her.
Laura Bellows
Dr. Froeb was my very first English Comp professor at then Tulsa Junior College in the fall 1977. She taught me about writing techniques, soliloquies, monologues, and so much more. She took a very shy young woman and helped her blossom to an A+ student that got over her fears of speaking out loud. I have never forgotten her. So very sorry for your loss.
Terri Patrick
Janet Julie & Edith, First, I'm sorry for your deep loss and the last few month's of difficulty. Second, your mom will be well remembered by all the tennis club friends. Her Sunday pop ins birthday gatherings & even the brief visits always brought me joy. When conversing with her, she was so full of kindness towards me, admiration for you 3 girls & a dry sense of quick witted banter. I frequently told her she could adopt a 4th girl, me, if she felt inclined. I admired & respected your mom & will remember her fondly.
Megan Zetik
Sending condolences to the family. I was honored to have been able to take care of jean while she was with us. She would always keep you on your toes! She was such a wonderful women. Her and the family welcomed me and treated me like family. The last thing we did together was go to the philbrook museum with daughter Julie, we had such a great day together! Jean will definitely be missed by many
Shay
Julie Phillips
Mom
Julie Phillips
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Jen, David, Trey, Cole & Marli
Q: What was one of your favorite qualities of Jeanne? A: Jeanne was my neighbor on the fourth floor at Metro campus from 1998 until she retired. I loved her independent and slightly rebellious spirit and unabashed allegiance to Smith College in Massachusetts. She was a delightful person.
Nancy Vitali
Thinking of the entire Froeb family, and sending prayers to all of you. Thank you for allowing us to help care for Miss Jenanne. The Entire Miller Hospice Family
Miller Hospice