Stephens College honors the life and legacy of alumna, trustee, and visionary designer Jeannene Booher ’58, who passed away peacefully on February 28 at her home in Otis, Massachusetts, at the age of 90.
From an early age, Jeannene possessed a remarkable clarity of purpose. Growing up in West Texas, she spent hours studying fashion magazines on the steps of her family home, imagining a future in New York City. That vision carried her to Stephens, where she arrived as a determined young designer—having already sewn her own wardrobe not once, but twice after a devastating flood destroyed her original work. It was a story she would come to embody throughout her life: resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to her craft.
After graduating, Jeannene built an extraordinary career in New York’s fashion world, working with celebrated designers and ultimately leading as a principal designer for Maggy London. Her designs reached national prominence, including pieces worn during a historic vice-presidential campaign, before she launched her own label and later retired in 1995.
Yet, for all her professional success, Jeannene’s connection to Stephens remained central to her life. She gave generously of her time, talent, and resources—serving as a dedicated trustee, a thoughtful mentor to students, and a passionate advocate for the College’s fashion program. She returned often as a juror and guide, helping shape generations of Stephens women pursuing careers in design.
Among her most enduring contributions is the iconic Stephens alumnae scarf. Designed by Jeannene in the 1990s as a fundraising initiative, the scarf has become a cherished symbol of Stephens pride and tradition. Through this effort, she helped raise more than $250,000 for scholarships—creating opportunities that continue to transform students’ lives today. Awarded competitively each year, the scholarship reflects the very qualities Jeannene championed: creativity, excellence, and ambition.
Her commitment to Stephens extended even further through her leadership in the $40 million Smart, Strong, Savvy…Stephens Campaign, which she co-chaired alongside her best college friend and fellow alumna Sara Jane Johnson ‘56. Jeannene’s belief in the College’s mission—and in the potential of its students—was steadfast and profound.
Jeannene’s life was one of beauty, both created and cultivated. Whether designing elegant garments, supporting the arts in her beloved Berkshires community, or gathering with friends under the summer sky at Tanglewood, she lived with intention and grace. Grounded in her faith and guided by a deep appreciation for the arts, she embodied the Stephens Ideal of Appreciation of the Beautiful—an honor she carried from her student days throughout her life.
She is remembered not only for her accomplishments, but for her generosity, her mentorship, and her enduring belief in the power of education to change lives. Her legacy lives on in the countless Stephens women she supported—through scholarships, through encouragement, and through the example she set.
Stephens College extends its deepest condolences to her family and all who were touched by her remarkable life.
Photos of Jeannene Booher ’56
