Jeannie Rawley, of Portland, passed away Dec. 31, 2011, at the age of 54 from a cerebral vascular accident while skiing on Mount Hood with her family.

Jeannie was born to Andrew and Gwen Seresun on June 29, 1957, in Coulee Dam, Washington. She graduated from Lake Roosevelt High School in Coulee Dam, Washington in 1975. Jeannie attended Eastern Washington State College and Washington State University graduating with a degree in home economics. She obtained a master’s in education from Portland State University.

Jeannie married Daniel Rawley of Coulee Dam, Washington in 1977. Between 1983 and 1995 Jeannie and Dan, and their three children, traveled between Europe and the United States while stationed at several different Air Force military bases. Exposing her children to the world was a highlight of her life. In 1995, the Rawley’s relocated to Portland.

In 1998, Jeannie returned to her career in teaching and in 1999 she became a third grade teacher at Oregon Episcopal School, where she continued until the time of her death.

The Rawleys made a second home near Hood River creating a small lavender farm and weekend refuge. Jeannie was an amazing mother, a loving wife and a caring and compassionate third grade teacher. She was a devoted yogi and an inspiration to everyone she met. Jeannie made friends easily and had a zest for living each day to the fullest. Jeannie loved the Northwest, and especially the Columbia River Gorge, and took advantage of all it had to offer. She loved skiing, biking, swimming, camping, lavender, knitting and her dog, Bodie, who went to class with her every day.

Jeannie is survived by her husband, Dan of Portland; children, Nikolas and wife, Angie (Vancouver, Wash.), Sarah (Golden, Colo.), and Jeffery (Corvallis). She is also survived by siblings, Kathy Rice (Grand Coulee, Wash.), Ken Seresun (Sedona, Ariz.) and Marilyn Perkins (Port Angeles, Wash.); parents-in-law, Stan and Elsie Rawley (Coulee Dam, Wash.); sister-in-law, Lisa Rawley, (Arlington, Wash.); seven nieces and nephews; 11 great-nieces and nephews; and her beloved Alaskan Malamute, Bodie.

A celebration of Jeannie’s life will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Oregon Episcopal School 6300 SW Nicol Road, Portland, OR 97223.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Friends of the Columbia Gorge www.gorgefriends.org.