Greenhills Remembers Former Latin Teacher Jean Diekoff

Greenhills is sad to report that former Latin teacher Jean Diekoff passed away early Tuesday at the age of 79. 

Diekoff joined the Greenhills faculty in 1971 and compassionately poured her heart and soul into the school and its students until her retirement in 1998. She continued to assist the Latin program in an unofficial capacity for some years afterward by serving as a tutor for students and a mentor for teachers.  In addition to her skillful work teaching Latin to hundreds of students, Diekoff gave freely of her time to many aspects of the school.  She was a talented pianist who accompanied the Greenhills choir as well as choral performances by the language department, spring musical rehearsals and performances.

Diekoff initiated Greenhills’ membership in The Cum Laude Society, handled course and exam scheduling, and even represented the school as Secretary of the Michigan Classical Conference, devoted to the state’s Latin and Greek teachers.  Patient and soft-spoken yet determined and always highly organized, she also took charge of the many details related to commencement exercises each year, including ordering diplomas, awards, and caps and gowns.  She even went as far as providing irons and ironing boards, mirrors, hairspray, and combs in her classroom prior to the ceremony so that every graduate could look their very best for the special occasion.

“None of us may know all the many ways she gave to this community, but any of us who were in the building when she was here know that Miss Diekoff had a deep affection for Greenhills and its students, families, faculty, and alums,” says alumni director Teresa Jong ’82. “This community will long remember Jean Diekoff with admiration and gratitude.”

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jean Diekoff Latin Prize online or by check to: Greenhills School-Jean Diekoff Latin Prize and mailed to: 850 Greenhills Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105