Senate Resolution No. 791
BY: Senator HARCKHAM
MOURNING the death of Jean Van Leeuwen,
award-winning writer, loving wife, mother and
grandmother, and devoted member of her community
WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Jean Van Leeuwen was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Jean Van Leeuwen, noting the
significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Jean Van Leeuwen, a beloved and prolific author of
children's literature whose works have inspired generations of young
readers, died on March 3, 2025, at the age of 87 at her home in
Chappaqua, New York, after a battle with cancer; and
WHEREAS, Jean Van Leeuwen was born on December 26, 1937, in Glen
Ridge, New Jersey, to Cornelius, a minister, and Dorothy, a teacher, and
was raised in Rutherford, New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Jean Van Leeuwen pursued her higher education at Syracuse
University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in magazine journalism
in 1959, laying the foundation for a long and meaningful career in
writing and publishing; and
WHEREAS, Jean Van Leeuwen began her professional life as an
assistant editor at TV Guide before transitioning to the world of
children's literature at Abelard-Schuman, where she discovered her
passion for storytelling while assisting the noted editor Frances
Schwartz; and
WHEREAS, She joined Dial Press in 1970 as a senior editor and worked
closely with acclaimed editor Phyllis Fogelman, during which time she
continued to publish original stories that would captivate young readers
for decades to come; and
WHEREAS, Following the births of her children, David and Elizabeth,
Jean Van Leeuwen left her publishing position to devote herself fully to
motherhood and writing, often crafting her stories during quiet moments
while her children napped; and
WHEREAS, Jean Van Leeuwen's experiences as a parent directly
inspired the creation of her cherished characters Oliver Pig and Amanda
Pig, who first appeared in Tales of Oliver Pig (1979), one of the early
titles in Dial's line of beginning readers, and went on to become
enduring figures in children's literature; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of her career, Jean Van Leeuwen authored
nearly 60 books for young readers, spanning picture books, early
readers, and middle-grade novels, demonstrating remarkable versatility
in both format and tone; and
WHEREAS, Among her most celebrated works is The Great CheeseConspiracy, which introduced readers to Marvin the Magnificent and his
band of rodent accomplices, and which was later adapted into a Czech
animated film in 1986; and
WHEREAS, Jean Van Leeuwen's books have been translated into multiple
languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide, enriching the
imaginations of children across the globe; and
WHEREAS, Jean Van Leeuwen married Bruce Gavril in July 1968, with
whom she shared more than five decades of marriage, raising two children
and later welcoming a cherished grandchild; her legacy will live on in
the joy and imagination her books continue to spark in readers of all
ages; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Jean Van Leeuwen, and to honor her extraordinary
contributions to children's literature, extending its heartfelt
condolences to her family, friends, readers, and all of those whose
lives she touched through the magic of her words; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Jean Van Leeuwen.
