Jeanne Pinckney

8/1/2026

Jeanne Pinckney, 91, of Sennett, New York, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026.

Born on September 27, 1934, in Auburn, New York, Jeanne was the daughter of Wesley and Dorothy Pinckney of Aurelius, New York. She graduated from Mary Washington College with a degree in social work and devoted her career to serving others.

Jeanne spent many years with Cayuga County Social Services, where she ultimately led the Child Protective Services Unit. A passionate advocate for children, she worked tirelessly to help ensure that vulnerable children were placed in safe, stable and loving homes. She approached her work with compassion, integrity and unwavering dedication. The friendships she built with her colleagues endured long after her retirement, a testament to the respect and affection she inspired throughout her career.

Never one to slow down, Jeanne continued serving her community after retirement as a substitute teacher in the Skaneateles Central School District for many years. She also enjoyed working alongside her brother Doug in his service business.

Music was one of Jeanne's lifelong passions. An accomplished clarinet player, she was a longtime member of the Skaneateles Community Band and, more recently, the Auburn Civic Band. She also loved to travel — especially with her college friend Josephine Heslep — and found great joy in cooking, hosting family gatherings and making everyone around her feel welcome. She had a special love for animals, especially her beloved cat, Rusty.

Above all, Jeanne cherished her family. She delighted in spending time with those she loved and took great pride in celebrating their lives and accomplishments.

Jeanne was predeceased by her parents, Wesley and Dorothy Pinckney; her brothers, Robert Pinckney and Douglas Pinckney; and her nephews Keith Pinckney and Sean Ireland.

She is survived by her sister, Linda Ireland of Tucson, Arizona, and by her nieces and nephews: Doug Pinckney of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Lauren Johnson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Jennifer (Eric) Schofield of St. George, Utah; Troy Ireland of Tucson; Kim Ireland of Tucson; Doug (Georgina) Pinckney of Skaneateles, New York; Chris (Cathy) Pinckney of Skaneateles; and Michael (Jessie) Pinckney of Charlotte, North Carolina. She is also survived by many cherished grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as her beloved cat, Rusty.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Heslep, Kroon, and LaPointe families for their enduring love, friendship, and support throughout Jeanne's life. Jeanne will be remembered for her quiet strength; generous heart; unwavering commitment to helping others; and the love she shared with her family, friends, colleagues, students and community.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to the Greater Cayuga SPCA.

A memorial celebration will be held on September 21st at the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles at 2 p.m.

To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.