Jean Sakovich Obituary

Jean Cushnie Sakovich, treasured wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on Saturday, January 13th, 2024. After a short battle with cancer, she slipped into eternity at the age of 77 surrounded by family and close friends at her home in Hilo, Hawaii.

Better known as "Jeannie", she was born in Hilo, Hawaii on March 15, 1946 to Isabelle and John Cushnie. She was raised as a child of the sugar cane industry in Pahala, on Maui and Kauai. She attended Baldwin High School and Punahou High School before earning her degree in Physical Education from Arizona State University in 1966. Soon after, Jean married Willem (Bill) Dehe Sakovich, who was working with the Peace Corp in Hilo, on August 24th, 1968. They married in Hilo at the old Protestant Church on Kinoole St., followed by a reception at the Hilo Yacht Club. Jean and Bill began their married life in Hawaii and later moved to the island of Saipan in the Northern Marianas where they raised their 2 children. After 31 years on Saipan, they returned to Hilo where they currently reside.

Jean worked 10 years in the hotel industry (Intercontinental Hotel/Saipan Beach Hotel) and 20 years for the Seventh Day Adventist Dental Clinic on Saipan. Early on Jean helped create and start the Saipan Swim Club and was a volunteer swim coach in addition to her full-time jobs. Jean, better known as "Coach Jean" or "Mrs" to her swimmers, has been a lifelong swim instructor and swim coach for all ages, but her greatest joy has always been teaching the little ones how to swim. Jean traveled the world taking her more advanced swimmers to numerous international competitions. Jean also enjoyed sailing, hiking, swimming, triathlon, running with the Saipan Hash House Harriers, outrigger canoe paddling and long walks.

Throughout her many experiences, activities, and workings, Jean's ultimate joy was her family. She enjoyed spending time with her two children and four grandchildren as a group and also being able to 'hang' with them individually. All her children and grandchildren have been involved with swimming.

Jeannie will be missed by all those she loved, taught, coached, trained with, and shared wine with. In the words of her own students and friends, Jeannie was: "an inspirational coach, well respected by the sports community," "a ray of sunshine", "greatly loved and adored by many" and "Swim Mom". Jeannie had "a kind smile and warm personality", "a passion for swimming and the islands", "a love for life", "a kind spirit and generosity", and "a huge impact on all her students". She leaves a wonderful legacy for her contribution to the health, fitness and the well-being of all those that knew her. In 2003 Jeannie was inducted into the Northern Marianas Islands Hall of Fame for her achievements in Swimming. She will continue to live in our hearts and be forever remembered for all these characteristics that define her.

Jean is survived by her loving husband Bill, her two children: Jon (Angele) Sakovich and Anneka (Jerry) Lopopolo, her four grandchildren: John, Joseph and Avyree Sakovich and Coral Lopopolo, and her twin brothers: Bill & Dick Cushnie. She is predeceased by her sister Patricia Donegan.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Hilo Yacht Club on April 12th, 2024 from 3:30 - 7:00 pm in Hilo, Hawaii.

In Jean's memory, we are setting up two separate fundraising pages to support her passion for youth swimming - the Warrior Aquatic Club in Hilo, HI and the Saipan Swim Club in Saipan, NMI. Funds for both organizations will go to support their learn-to-swim programs and program development within these teams. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to one of these great programs at www.inmemoryofjeansakovich.com.