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Yuan Chai lit a candle
Monday, May 27, 2024
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I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Pytel's passing. In late 2013, Dr. Pytel offered me a short-term visiting opportunity to PSU, which became a "life-changing" moment for me. During my time there, I achieved straight A's, was selected for the Dean's List, and subsequently pursued my PhD in Australia. I am now an Associate Professor back in China. I know that none of this would have been possible without her support.
When I first communicated with Dr. Pytel, my English was not good, and it was my first time visiting an English-speaking country, all alone. Dr. Pytel was incredibly patient with me and helped me a lot with my course selections.
The saddest thing for me is that I never met her in person, not even while studying at PSU. Despite having several opportunities over the past 10 years to apply for a US visa and visit Dr. Pytel to thank her in person, I never did. Life has been very busy, but I realize it is time to make a change.
I hope Dr. Pytel can rest in peace and hear my heartfelt thanks.
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Stan Gowetski posted a condolence
Friday, April 20, 2018
Andy and family You have my deepest sympathy. Andy, I met your wife and son at one of our class reunions. She seemed to be a very nice lady and it was nice to talk to her. I am sad to learn of her passing. My deepest sympathy, Stan
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David G Tomer posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Andy,
My condolences to you as you deal with your loss.
Though I don't recall ever meeting Jean, my experience teaching with and under you in Engineering Mechanics in the late '60's has served me well in my career, including a second career in college teaching. So I wish you, and your family, well during this difficult time.
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Nancy Eaton posted a condolence
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Dear Andy:
So sorry to learn of Jean's passing. My thoughts are with you.
Nancy
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Marcy Perini posted a condolence
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Pytel Family, I was so sorry to learn of Jean’s passing. She was so full of life and love. I will always be grateful for both the “Dr. Pytels”, who adopted this direction- and advisor-less ESM undergrad, and helped to move me along the route I took. I was standing at childhood’s gate, shapeless, as the Alma Mater goes, and it was Andy and Jean who helped to set that mold. Even into and through graduate school, into my first job and beyond, she saw something in me that I didn’t see myself. But that’s what she did – she recognized potential in many of us, formally-assigned advisees or not, where we didn't. She always had a “Why not?” perspective on trying things that seemed impossible. And just when you thought time and space may have knocked you off her radar screen, already jammed with new contacts to monitor, out of the blue she reached out to schedule a lunch, or send a note or gift or email, or in some other way, let you know that one of your greatest mentors and coaches was still interested, still cheering you on, still confident that you could realize all the potential she saw. Penn State, State College, and yes, the world, has lost a real gem. But we know that the deposit of herself that she left in each life she touched – and there have been so many – will continue to keep the light of her influence alive, and even spread it further. Godspeed, dear professor, mentor, and friend. Because we knew you, we have been changed for good.
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Anita Todd posted a condolence
Friday, April 13, 2018
I was so sorry to hear that Jean passed away. Although it has been a while since I have seen or talked to Jean, I will always remember her as a valued colleague and friend in the College of Engineering. She was a great advocate for students and someone who valued a fair and just community, and I always admired Jean for this.
I know she was proud of her Canadian connection, I recall her prints on her office wall. I was even fortunate enough to use her Banff time share, which was such a beautiful opportunity.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Anita Todd
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Phillip Barnes posted a condolence
Friday, April 13, 2018
Dean Pytel was a great faculty advisor whose help was essential to me during my time at PSU. She was a light in the darkness and was more than confident that I would succeed in the College of Engineering. I smile knowing that she is looking down on us all telling us to do our best and give it our all. PSU will always be able to shine because of everything Dean Pytel was able to do for them. Dean Pytel and her family are in my prayers.
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Donald and Katie Rung posted a condolence
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Dear Andy, Nick, Kellie and all other family of Jean, We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jean. Don and Jean had a weekly game of squash over 35 years followed by a lunch at the HUB. Jean was a skillful administrator able to convince all sorts of groups to agree on a common goal. She was a friend and advocate for the Women in Science and Engineering Institute where Katie ended her career at Penn State. Her long service in the University Faculty Senate culminated in her election as Chair of the Senate where, again, she successfully navigated the Senate over her term as Chair. Her large circle of friends and colleagues enabled her to understand the University from the inside like few others.
We grieve this loss of a kind and loving friend. Jean will be missed.
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Bob McGrath posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Andy,
Jean and you greatly helped to made my various times at Penn State rewarding, memorable and great fun. I know you will miss her dearly.
Betsy and I extend our deepest condolences and will be making a contribution to Jean's study abroad scholarship fund.
Bob & Betsy McGrath
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Harry and Kathleen Scholz posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Dear Dr. Pytel,
We are very sorry to learn of your wife's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy and we will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Sincerely yours,
Harry and Kathleen Scholz
(former students)
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Pam Francis posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
To Jean's Family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I met Jean through Rotary and enjoyed her quick sense of humor and, as well as her "to the point" insights. I am so sorry to hear of her passing and know she will be missed by family and colleagues.
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Art and Mary Miller posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Andy and family, we are so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. She was such a wonderful person and leaves her legacy in many that she so carefulyl and methodically guided on to meaningful careers.
I truely enjoyed working with Jean, she had keen snese of humor that always made my day. But most of all her genuine concern for education earned her not only high respect from the students but also great respect from her peers. May all the wonderful memories with Jean make the days ahead bright.
Unfortunately, we will be out of town and not available for the service but be assured we will be there in thoughts and sympathy.
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Debbie (Combs) Rakos posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Dr. Mr. Pytel and family, my deepest condolences to you all. Dr. Mrs. as we called her, was a brilliant and caring professor who will be greatly missed by all who had the joy of knowing her. May God grant you peace and comfort now and in the days to come.
Rev. Debbie (Combs) Rakos, ESci '85.
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Chris Gerding posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
I recall meeting Jean many years ago; her husband Andy was our E Mech professor and friend. Jean was a very engaging and spirited person who made great contributions to Penn State. I wish Andy and family peace and solace in the face of this great personal loss.
Chris Gerding
ESM 1976(g)
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Al Stiehl posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Andy,
I am greatly saddened by your loss. God bless you and your family.
Al Stiehl
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Maria Schreffler posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Very sad to learn of the passing of Dr. Pytel. She was one of my favorite professors. She was very focused on the success of her students, both in her class and in their futures. She was always so approachable. Twenty-two years after I graduated, I met then-Dean Pytel again during my son's orientation. It was as though no time had passed - she was just as engaging as always. The university and community has lost a wonderful leader and mentor. My deepest sympathies to her family.
Maria (Yandrasits) Schreffler
BS Aerospace Engineering, 1985
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Sue Pysher posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
I was so saddened to hear that Jean passed away. She was a wonderful person who genuinely cared for people. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
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Dr. Eric D. Roll posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear of Professor Pytel's passing. I worked for her husband, Andy, while a graduate assistant in ESM in 1984. She was a nice lady, and added very distinctive color to the Penn State academic landscape. When I think back about my time at Penn State, hers is always one of the faces I remember. My condolences.
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Marie Laczynski posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
I had the honor of working for Jean when I was an undergrad, assisting new students register for classes and taking perspective students and families on tours of campus. She was always smiling and friendly to all. At her suggestion, I applied to the graduate program in Engineering Mechanics. Without her council, I never would have been opened up to the world of composite materials, and I never would have landed my dream job at Boeing. Jean will be missed by everyone who crossed her path!
Marie Laczynski
PSU BSME '99, MS EMech, '01
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Mary Ann Rapp Bunn posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
I had the pleasure of being a student in both Dr .Jean Pytel's and Dr. Andy Pytel's classes at Penn State in the early 1980's. The two of them have always been tops on my list as my most influential professors at Penn State. I often mention them and their passion for teaching in my work to this day. I'm so very sorry to hear of Dr. Jean's passing. My sincere condolences to Dr. Andy and the entire family and friends circle. Dr. Jean Pytel was a very special woman.
Peace, Mary Ann (Rapp) Bunn BSME'84
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Anna Butler posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with Jean's family. I work in the Office of the University Faculty Senate at Penn State, where I handle student exceptions to University academic policies. In that role, I knew Jean from working with students from the College of Engineering. Jean was always passionate about helping students and making sure that policies accurately reflected the processes in place. I also knew Jean from when she was a Senator, and Chair of the University Faculty Senate. She took the role very seriously, and was in the Senate office every day she could be taking care of Senate business.
Aside from her work at the University and with the Senate, I found Jean to be a very warm and friendly person. She was full of life and loved life. She talked often of her family and her travels around the world. She will be missed.
Anna Butler
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Saundra Johnson Austin posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Dr. Andy Pytel and Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Jean Landa Pytel when I worked in the College of Engineering from 1994-2000. We worked together on several projects and I would often stop by and visit with her when I was on campus for some event or meeting.
I also remember when I was a student in the College of Engineering and she shared with us members of SWE that she was pregnant with Nicolas. She was very excited!
She was always an advocate for the students.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Saundra Johnson Austin
PSU CEE
Class of 1986
574-261-5876
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Xinli Wu posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Jean, you will be forever missed! I’ll dedicate the course “ENGR 118 Impact of Culture on Engineering in China” to you and make sure all the students will remember your great name Jean Linda Pytel. Without your great vision and strong support, the course ENGR 118 wouldn’t be here today! Thank you also for the strong support for the collaboration between Penn State College of Engineering and China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing Campus, CUMTB)! You have positively impacted so many people, including those grateful exchange students from both PSU and CUMTB! Thank you, Jean! Rest in Peace! Love you! Xinli
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Xinli Wu lit a candle
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
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Joseph Gregory posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
A truly fine lady whom I will never forget.
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Jill and Jim Heddleson posted a condolence
Monday, April 2, 2018
We are so sorry to hear the news of Dr. Pytel’s Passing. I (Jill) remember her fondly as a mentor and advocate as I went through the sometimes challenging journey in ESM. Jim and I send our prayers and best wishes to her family and friends.
Fond Regards,
Jill and Jim Heddleson
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Mary Frecker posted a condolence
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Jean was a great colleague and mentor, and I will miss her . I will remember her fondly, wearing her leather jacket and riding her Vespa. Rest in peace, Jean.
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Russ and Linda Messier posted a condolence
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Jean's passing comes with surprise and a lot of fond memories in the department, at the Advising Center, around campus, and at the many social events we shared. Her smile and devotion will always be remembered.
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Hongmei posted a condolence
Saturday, March 31, 2018
I am so sad to know that I will never see such an energetic and warmhearted person on earth again. Jean helped us greatly in global programs, making the credit transfer between the two institutions more effectively and efficiently. Without her commitment and contribution of genius idea, the collaboration with College of Engineering at PSU would not be initiated and sustained. I will remember her for ever.
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Ken and Donna Schroyer posted a condolence
Saturday, March 31, 2018
So hard to believe that such a vibrant spirit was taken from this earth far too soon. Will miss our Trivial Pursuit nights and our spirited conversations. Sincere condolences to Andy, Nicholas, Leslie, Lori, John, Dinah and their families as they suffer through this loss.
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Akhlesh Lakhtakia posted a condolence
Friday, March 30, 2018
Hi Andy,
I am very sorry that Jean is no more. I still remember August 1984 when I began to teach a couple of sections of E MCH 12 with her. She taught me a lot about handling the academic concerns of sophomores. And she was so funny!
Akhlesh
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Jeanie Andrews posted a condolence
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Jean had an impact on so many faculty, staff, and students at Penn State. I was honored and privileged to know her and learned so much from her. She was always committed and dedicated to whatever task, project, or initiative needed her involvement; yet, so giving of her time to mentor and guide others. She leaves a lasting legacy in so many significant ways. Wishing her family and friends peace.
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Ron Porter posted a condolence
Thursday, March 29, 2018
I am very sorry to hear of Jean’s passing.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to her family.
Ron Porter (Toronto)
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