Adoption Network Cleveland mourns the loss of Jeanne Hood, a longtime volunteer, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 89. Jeanne was a passionate advocate, a talented artist, and a source of unwavering support for those navigating the complexities of adoption. Her kindness, commitment, and impact on our community will always be remembered.

Jeanne first connected with Adoption Network Cleveland as a birth mother seeking understanding and support. Over the years, she became an invaluable member of our organization, offering compassion and guidance to others with similar experiences. She played a crucial role in the Birth Mothers’ Support Group, creating a safe space for women to share their stories and begin the healing process. Jeanne also helped plan and lead our annual Birth Mothers’ Ceremony, held the Saturday before Mother’s Day, to honor those who often felt overlooked in traditional celebrations.

As a birth mother who was found by her adult son, Jeanne deeply understood the lifelong emotions tied to adoption. She believed in the importance of open conversations and worked to ensure birth mothers felt seen, heard, and valued. Her words from a past reflection highlight the transformation she experienced through her involvement with Adoption Network Cleveland:

"Adoption Network Cleveland helped to change my life. It changed how I see myself, how I value myself. It gave me a place to express myself; it gave me a voice."

Jeanne’s advocacy extended beyond support meetings. She testified before the Ohio legislature in favor of adoptee rights, sharing her personal experience to push for policy change. She believed adoptees deserved access to their original birth certificates and that birth mothers should not be erased from their children’s histories.

Beyond her advocacy, Jeanne was an artist who used her creativity to bring comfort and inspiration to those around her. Her artwork, much of which was rooted in spirituality and self-reflection, was shared through her business, first known as AngelArt and later as WhisperWings. She expressed her emotions through drawing, poetry, and the creation of meaningful keepsakes that touched the hearts of many.

Fellow Adoption Network Cleveland member Nancy Rapaszky recalls Jeanne’s gentle spirit and the depth of her commitment:

"I met Jeanne Hood almost 20 years ago at a Birthmothers’ Support Group. Jeanne was very spiritual yet never judgmental. She loved to share her birthmother story, which included a reunion. Jeanne longed for all birthmothers to share a reunion with the child they relinquished.

“Jeanne put her heart and soul into the planning of the birthmothers’ ceremony which took place the Saturday before Mother’s Day to honor birthmothers who were often left out of traditional Mother’s Day festivities. Her art, poetry and unconditional love helped many to engage in healing. Jeanne blessed the lives of many through the services offered by Adoption Network Cleveland. I was privileged to be among the many she blessed. I shall miss this dear friend.”

Carol Hayward, who co-led Lake County meetings with Jeanne for years, remembers her as a warm and devoted leader who always stepped in to help. She recalls Jeanne’s dedication to creating meaningful spaces for birth mothers, from planning ceremonies to crafting poetry and even contributing to a quilt that honored adoption experiences. Jeanne was deeply involved in the birth mother community, ensuring new attendees felt welcome and understood.

“Jeanne was a friend, the one person I wanted to talk to when my Birth Son passed away, because she knew how I felt,” Carol recalls. “When you wanted to talk she was there to listen and give you perspective or words of wisdom. A very spiritual lady. She is missed.”

Jeanne’s contributions to Adoption Network Cleveland and the broader adoption community have left a lasting mark. She taught us the power of storytelling, the importance of listening, and the strength that comes from shared experiences. Her unwavering belief in the dignity and worth of birth mothers helped transform the way many saw themselves and their journeys.

We are honored that Jeanne’s family has requested donations in her memory be made to Adoption Network Cleveland, ensuring that her legacy continues through the support and advocacy she so passionately championed.

Jeanne Hood’s impact will live on in the hearts of those she touched. We are grateful for her years of service, her wisdom, and her compassionate spirit.