Jean Kanode

Jean Potter Kanode, 82, of Spartanburg, succumbed to a long term illness on Sunday, September 20, 2009, at the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Born January 1, 1927, in Los Angeles, CA, she was the daughter of the late Roland and Lucille Lindenmeyer Potter. A graduate of Los Angeles State College with a degree in Primary Education, she taught in the Los Angeles City School System before marrying and moving to Spartanburg in 1966. A prominent member of Spartanburg's musical community, she was a member and officer with the Philharmonic Music Club, the Music Foundation, taught in the Pre-College program of the Lawson School of Music at Converse College, and played with the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra under Henry Janiec. She was recognized for over 25 years of service, receiving the Henry Janiec Service Award. She played with the Greenville Symphony under Peter Rickett and with many of the area orchestras, including the opening concert at the Peace Center in Greenville. She performed solo and with various quartets for years and treasured her recognition by President George H. W. Bush, who posed for a photograph with the Eastside Quartet led by Peter Moore, in which she played viola for many years. She was a significant factor in the development of the Spartanburg District 6 School String Program and was recognized for her contribution by Superintendent L. E. Gable. While in her teens, she was an accomplished violinist, studying violin solo performance at the University of Southern California under a prominent visiting instructor, at which time she played a tour with the Tommy Dorsey Band during World War II. Prior to this, she was a finalist for violin soloist to appear with the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Wilton B. Kanode; three daughters, Karen Kanode, Thelma Brown and her husband Mark, and Lynette Frey and her husband Gerald; and grandchildren, Matthew Kanode, Sarah and Peter Frey. She was predeceased by a brother, Harold Potter. The family will receive friends from 3:00-3:45 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2009, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the Chapel conducted by the Rev. Robert H. Brozina. It is requested that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Philharmonic Music Club, 105 Carolina Club Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29306. Funds contributed will be used by the Club to fund youth music scholarships. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jean P. Kanode please visit our Sympathy Store.