Obituary of Barbara Jeanne Epping

Long time Santa Cruz resident, Jeanne L. Epping, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, November 15, 2013, surrounded by her family. Jeanne was born on September 4, 1928, in Fresno, California. She graduated from Fresno High School before moving to Santa Cruz with her family in 1946. After receiving her degree from San Jose State University, she lived in San Francisco where she was the buyer for Revlon Cosmetics at The Emporium. Jeanne married Joseph Pinheiro in 1954. When Jeanne was offered a promotion to represent Revlon at a new store in Honolulu, the couple moved to Hawaii. After residing there for three years they returned to the mainland, purchasing a home in San Jose, California, and eventually building a home in Santa Cruz where their two sons, Joseph Gregory and Robert Scott, were born. In 1964, Jeanne purchased Whitehead Travel located on Water Street in Santa Cruz. Shortly thereafter, she moved the agency to Pacific Avenue and re-named it Santa Cruz Travel - "Around the Corner or Around the World". This was the beginning of an iconic career in travel and tourism. In 1967, Jeanne married Dick Epping who shared her love of travel. Over the next 39 years they visited dozens of exciting and exotic locations, including 23 trips to Asia. Jeanne's business grew, and she proceeded to open agencies in Aptos, Felton, Freedom and The Capitola Mall. Over the years she served on the advisory boards of Pan Am Airways, TWA, American Express, Alamo Rent-a-Car, Sunset Magazine, and the Austrian, Hong Kong, and Hawaiian Tourist Boards. Jeanne was, and is, highly respected by her colleagues in the travel community for her contributions to the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), which she joined in 1968. She held many Northern California and national offices. In 1995, she was elected International President of ASTA, working in Washington D.C. That same year she was honored with the Access to Freedom Award given by the Society for the Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped (SATH), for her work to improve the conditions for disabled travelers. Jeanne also headed the first ASTA team to go into Viet Nam to promote and open travel for Americans in the region. In 2003 she was named Travel Agent of the year by ASTA. As much as Jeanne loved to travel, she was always happiest in Santa Cruz and was very involved in the community. Her commitments included support of Dominican Hospital, Cabrillo College, the development of Marello Preparatory High School, and many other meaningful causes. She was a member and lifelong supporter of Omega Nu of Santa Cruz. There was nothing Jeanne loved more than family and her home was the center of many special gatherings, which always included extended family and friends. She set a beautiful table for one and all. To top it off, there was always a "favor" at each place, which she had gathered from her travels around the globe. Jeanne sat on many bleachers watching Greg and Scott participate in sporting events, always cheering loudly win or lose. This enthusiasm and support continued with her grandson's activities as well. Jeanne will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity, sense of humor and her "gift of gab". She could tell a story like no other, and she had many to share. She was loved and respected by everyone who knew her. Jeanne is survived by her two sons, Greg Pinheiro and Scott Pinheiro (Chris); grandsons Turner, Sam and Brody Pinheiro; brother Bob Lockwood (Janet); niece Kelly Reber (Jeff) and nephew Craig Lockwood (Stephanie); great-nieces and nephew MacKenzie, Montanna, Reagan and Wilder; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Florence Lockwood; Joe Pinheiro; Dick Epping; and her grandson Travis Pinheiro. The family sincerely wishes to thank all of Jeanne's devoted caregivers who treated her with such kindness: Gillie, Merevic, Melissa, Marissa , Daisy, Sarah, Juliet and Florence Kuo. Also thank you to Dr. Laurencin, her staff, and Hospice of Santa Cruz. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2013, at 11:30 a.m., at the chapel of Pacific Gardens, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Omega Nu of Santa Cruz Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 1696, Santa Cruz, CA 95061.