Jean Mary Fortin lost her battle with cancer on October 21, 2020. She was 75 years old. She was born on October 30, 1944 in New London, Connecticut to David W. VanLennep and Florence E. (Embree) VanLennep.

After her parents moved to California, Jean grew up in San Carlos in the San Francisco Bay area. She graduated from San Carlos High School in 1962. She continued her education at Chico State University in California where she earned a Bachelor's degree and, then, a Master's degree in political science.

Jean was an avid reader and a critical and analytical thinker who always kept up with current events and politics.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 35 years, Joseph R. Fortin (1942-2006) whom she married in 1971.

She is survived by many first cousins in the United States and Canada.

For several years, Jean worked as a supervisor for the State of California. After relocating to Hawai'i in the early 1990s, she worked for the State of Hawai'i before retiring.

When a feral cat had a litter of kittens on her lanai, Jean became involved with a shelter keeping the computer records for each animal in the "cattery". Over the last 20 years, she actively volunteered with various cat rescue organizations including the OSPCA, Catfriends, and lastly, joined with and established the Foster and Adoptions division of the Hawai'i Cat Foundation where she facilitated the adoption of over 400 rescued cats and kittens. She, herself, took in several cats that were older or had medical issues which made them poor candidates for adoption. Jean continued volunteering with the Hawai'i Cat Foundation until her own physical condition made it no longer possible.

Jean will be missed by both family and friends. Her wishes were for cremation and a small private memorial service to be arranged at a later date.

Donations may be made in Jean's memory to the nonprofit Hawai'i Cat Foundation. Send donations to Satoko Makino, Treasurer, Hawai'i Cat Foundation, 1099 Green St. #211, Honolulu, HI 96822.