Jeanine Triplett

Jeanine Alice Hennriette Lecaille Triplett died January 21, 2010 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Paris France on January 29, 1927 the only child of Eugene and Suzanne Lecaille. Jeanine was the lady on the bicycle riding through downtown Hot Springs for the 30 years she was retired here. Everyday she rode her 3 speed bicycle from far up Whittington Avenue to the Quapaw Community Center for her daily swim and aerobic exercise. This daily contact and her love of music filled her life with joy. She was warm and friendly with a beautiful smile for every person she met, be it a street person or an executive, it didn't matter because she truly believed God had created each person to be equal. She met and married an American Supply Sergeant during WWII in Marseille France, where her family had moved to escape the German occupation in Paris. They were married for 42 years living in Hot Springs and Bedford, Indiana until his death in 1987. Forrest and Jeanine had four children Suzanne Williams (Donnie), Cassville, MO, Sylvia Bryant (Jim) Hot Springs, Sonia Triplett, Hot Springs & John Triplett (Kathy Whalen), Indianapolis, IN. Seven grandchildren, Mitch Shuffield Jr., CiCi Sagers, Reese Sagers, of Hot Springs, Jeff Williams, Denise Weise of Kansas City, Jason Triplett, Menio Park CA, Erin Triplett of Indianapolis, IN & seven great grandchildren. A documentary film on bicyclists created by students at ASMSA and screened at the 2009 HS Documentary Film Festival featured an interview with Jeanine about her how she came to be in the US and included footage of her doing what she loved best, being free on her bicycle. She sang in the Chorus of the Hot Springs Music Festival for many years, and St Mary's Catholic Church choir, she was also a member of the Hot Springs Music Club and a Yellow Dog Democrat. Always fighting for a woman's right to choose, equal rights, decent wages and health and environmental issues. Jeanine will be cremated with her ashes scattered over the Seine River in Paris. A mass in her memory will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church on Saturday January 23, 2010 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers Jeanine would request donations be sent to Quapaw Community Center or Jackson House. Jeanine's family would like to thank the members of the Quapaw Community Center especially water aerobic instructors Susan Gutkowski, Betty Riggan Shelby Morgan, Tressie McJunkin & yoga instructors Howard Kilby & Sylvia Wakeman for the many years they helped fill her life with vibrancy and for their attention and kindness. Also her neighbors for 30 years Paul & Betty dark for their many years of friendship and concern. Jeanine's family is gratefull for her caregivers Cyndi Debow, Mitch & Vicky Shuffield & Geraldine Maze for showing kindness, patience & love while caring for her daily. Also Dr. Paul Tucker for the many years he sang and recited poetry with her at The Poetry Loft.