Special Tribute: Jean “Vandy” Vandermark

Jean Vandermark, administrative assistant in the Peddie athletic department for 14 years, passed away after a long battle with cancer on April 10, 2009.

A longtime resident of Mercer County, Vandermark began working at Peddie in 1995, and almost instantly endeared herself to the community. Her personality, wit and caring nature contributed greatly to the students’ athletic experiences.

“Jean was Peddie athletics’ biggest fan and always approached her day with relentless care and unflagging enthusiasm,” said Sue Cabot, who worked with Vandermark for nine years as director of athletics. “Her true loyalty and commitment to Peddie athletics were displayed in her efficient work every day. However, she did many things that went above and beyond those duties. She loved our student athletes and tried to make every event special for them. She would make ‘Steady Old Peddie’ chocolate kisses or kudos bars with the Peddie seal on them to give to athletes before or after their games. She often sent notes of congratulations to individuals and championship teams or bought flowers for teams heading off to championship games. Jean could do things only one way … with a lot of heart, enthusiasm and perfection.”

As a key contributor to the Sports Hall of Fame, Jean happily took on the challenges of putting together the text and pictures for the Sports Hall of Fame’s program and then producing the program each year. She also made the plaques awarded new Hall members. In addition to programs and plaques, she took on the responsibility for the Hall’s “Wall of Fame,” seeing that the bronze plates were made and hung for the newly inducted members and their families to enjoy. In short, “Vandy” found countless ways to make herself valuable to the Hall, yet never took credit for all she did.

The Peddie community as a whole is grateful for Jean’s years of service to the school and will miss her commitment to excellence, friendship, good humor and loyalty.