Jeannie Diether Blackburn

October 4, 1933 - May 31, 2024

A beautiful and charming lifelong resident of Pasadena passed away peacefully at the age of 90 after a life extraordinarily well lived. The oldest of two daughters of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Leonard and Mina Diether, Jeannie attended South Pasadena High School and went on to UCLA. There she flourished and pledged Alpha Phi sorority and was elected vice president of the UCLA Associate Student Body her senior year.

Jeannie's love of fashion and her uncommon sense of style led her to major in fashion merchandising at UCLA. She remained a fiercely devoted Bruin and was very knowledgeable about UCLA sports and loved nothing more than discussing her beloved Bruins. She married a wonderful man, Robert Blackburn of San Francisco, a graduate of Stanford University, in 1954. They settled in San Marino where they raised two daughters, Caroline Blackburn and Bonnie Blackburn Gundell.

Jeannie created a beautiful home and great life for her family. Many local charity groups had the good fortune of her strong work ethic and charming personality. She was president of the San Marino League, and very involved with Art Center One Hundred, The Luminaires, Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, National Charity League, and Assistance League. The Blackburns were longtime members of the Valley Hunt Club, Annandale Golf Club, and the Town Club. Jeannie had a true zest for life and enjoyed nothing more than treating her entire family with memory-making trips to Alisal Guest Ranch and the Hotel Del Coronado. She shined her light on family and friends and made them feel loved and special. She was the best listener. Everyone who knew her was inspired by her strong moral compass, fierce independence, and lovely personality. As she grew older and faced physical challenges her fighting spirit helped her regain her independence when no one thought it possible and along the way, inspired everyone around her to never give up.

Jeannie was a lovely woman, and she will be so deeply missed. She is survived by her daughters, their spouses, and granddaughter and step-grandchildren.

Pasadena Star-News