Jeanne Hoddinott Obituary

On Saturday, November 26, 2022, Jeanne Cromwell Hoddinott, age ninety-four, passed away peacefully at home in Durango, Colorado, surrounded by her loving family. Jeanne DeSetta Cromwell was born on August 9, 1928 to Everett Stanley and Anita DeSetta Cromwell in Baltimore, Maryland.

After graduating from Eastern High School in Baltimore, Jeanne worked for WBAL Radio for several years. She married Charles Warren Hoddinott in October of 1950 and they had one daughter, Kathryn Adele Hoddinott. Jeanne later pursued a career in Export becoming an International Certified Documentary Specialist. Jeanne had a legendary sense of humor. Her favorite Export story was saving a shipment of Jim Beam Whiskey from being pirated by spotting a fraudulent Letter of Credit.

After retiring she moved to Durango, Colorado to be with her family who had established new roots there. She made many new friends in Durango as well as enjoying frequent visits from her "Baltimore contingency". Jeanne was a gracious hostess and welcomed her extended-family to their four generation ranch generously providing food, solace, shelter, and ever flowing and always appreciated words of wisdom.

Jeanne pursued her interests in history, science and physics, philosophy, world religions and travel. She and her family enjoyed trips together to Mexico, Belize, Europe and Russia.

Jeanne was a lifelong member of the Theosophical Society. A devoted animal lover, her beloved Romo was always by her side. One of her pleasures was watching the horses graze and feeling their velvet muzzles on her hand.

She was predeceased by her former husband, Charles, her long time companion, Erich Gradl, and grandson Vincent Patrick Wholey. She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn, granddaughter Kimberly Hardesty, great granddaughter Sophia Hardesty and grand-son-in-law Jack William Hardesty. Jeanne enjoyed special bonds with Cheyenne Lloyd, Max Cottrell, John Cottrell, Lauren Watterud, Jaclyn O'Farrell, Suzanne Hoddinott Toomey, John Hoddinott, and Terry Gradl Barrett. She leaves an indelible imprint on too many to mention.

A wake will be held at the family home at 670 Cole Ranch Road, Durango, Colorado 81303 from 3 pm to 6 pm Friday, December 2, 2022.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, 254 East 5th Avenue, Durango, Colorado 81301 at 1 pm on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Flowers are welcome as Jeanne liked them but she also would appreciate the lasting benefit of contributions to Parker's Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 4438, Durango, Colorado 81302.