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Jean Hassell 1929-2021

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Jean Treverton Hays Hassell, 92, died Thursday, June 10, 2021.

Born in Rochester, Pa., to Dorothy and Edson Hays, March 16, 1929, Jean was a 1947 graduate of Beaver High School and a 1951 graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition. On Sept. 8, 1951, she married her high school sweetheart and best friend, Gordon Hassell. After working as a clinical and teaching dietician for many years, Jean returned to school and received a master’s degree in food and nutrition from Kent State University in 1974 and became a registered dietician (RD) and member of the American Dietetics Association (ADA).

Jean spent 33 years on the faculty at Youngstown State University, serving as a mentor and role model to many students until she retired at age 78, but continued with the Extended Teaching Service program for four more years. In addition to serving as a professor and chair of the Department of Human Ecology, she was instrumental in developing the coordinated program in dietetics. She was published in many professional publications, including the Journal of the American Dietetics Association, prepared countless textbook reviews, served as a consultant, and conducted many professional and community-related nutrition presentations. Among her many honors were her receipt of the Distinguished Professor Award twice, as member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, for outstanding service to academic life; nominee for the Athena Award to honor professional women; and finally, the title faculty emeritus, preceding her retirement.

Jean loved cooking, playing tennis, traveling, reading and playing the piano. Even into her 90s, she still enjoyed book club, Bible study, playing bridge, reading the Wall Street Journal daily and participation in a lively political discussion. Known by her grandchildren and to many others as “Treda,” one of the highlights of her year was when each of her grandchildren would spend a week solo at “Camp Hassell” during the summer. She was a member of Niles Presbyterian Church until its closure last year and served on session as an elder. She was also a dedicated guardian angel and loyal member of Chi Omega Sorority.

She is survived by two daughters, Karen Hoeman and her husband, Mark of St. Louis, Mo. and Dr. Megan Erickson and her husband, Dr. Rick Erickson of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and seven grandchildren, Trever Erickson, Mary Bray Erickson, Ali Hoeman Hardee (Andrew), Anna Spencer Erickson, Cooper Erickson, Mark Hoeman Jr. and Timothy Erickson.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Gordon Hassell; and grandson, John Erickson.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68 Rochester, PA 15074.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Jean Hassell Award — Fund # 247415A, c/o Youngstown State University Foundation, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502-9903.

(special notice)