Jean Shipos was the Founder and Executive Director of our non-profit organization, Teal Tea Foundation, which is starting its 14th year. Its mission is to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and raise funds for ovarian cancer research and a cure for this disease.
“[When] I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1997,” Jean said, “I knew nothing about ovarian cancer and didn’t know which way to turn, or how to get the support I needed. Family and friends motivated and inspired me.” In 2008, Jean, together with her family and friends, formed the Teal Tea Foundation so that more women would become aware of ovarian cancer.
Jean said, “My goal is to fight for other women, including my daughters, so that women are diagnosed earlier. I fight so that no more women die from this disease.” Since the first day of its establishment, the Foundation has been funding important research and awareness efforts. It offers a sisterhood of support and information for all women and is a legacy determined to emulate. Jean’s example, vision, leadership, and energy in raising awareness of ovarian cancer in the community has touched so many lives and inspired the Trustees, the Advisory Board, the Officers, Executive Committee members and volunteers who ever worked with her.
Jean was employed by Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ, for 37 years and her last position there was the Director of Corporate Contracts. She was a cum laude graduate from Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY where she earned a BA in English Education. She also held an MBA in Global Business from the University of Phoenix. Jean said that earning an MBA kept her focused on something other than cancer. “I was in my final MBA classes, when I was diagnosed with a reoccurrence in 2003. Being able to keep busy and focusing on my studies helped me to face my second battle and chemotherapy.” Besides an ETS employee, Jean was also an award-winning member of the ETS Toastmasters Club. In 2004, she had the honor of being one of seven people worldwide to compete in the Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking.
Jean was also a teacher, a friend, and a mentor to many. Prior to joining ETS, Jean was a high school English teacher. She was one of the leading members of the ETS Youth Leadership Program, an annual program that provides instruction to youth from Grades 1 through 12 in public speaking skills. Jean also served as a much loved and respected ETS Advanced Youth Leadership Mentor (and more recently the program Treasurer).
Last but not least, Jean was an exceptional person, a loving wife, a mother of 4 children, and a grandmother to 7 grandchildren. Jean spoke often about her family as her greatest accomplishment.
On December 3, 2019, Jean left us after a valiant battle with ovarian cancer. We will miss Jean and never forget her. Until we meet again.
