Betty Jean “Jeanne” Kozak, 63 passed away at her home near Shepherdstown WV on Sunday evening June 25, 2017 as the result of Metastatic Cancer . Born August 11, 1953 in Leavenworth KS, she was the daughter and youngest child of Peter F. Baker (deceased) and Ruth A. Baker of Romney WV. Jeanne attended Sacred Heart and St. Joseph Elementary schools and Immaculata High School in Leavenworth KS. Jeanne is survived by her loving partner of 24 years L. Daniel ”Dan” Peck at home, a daughter, Stephanie L. Kozak, Newport News VA, five grandchildren Kim, Brittany, Vanessa, Clarence, and Isaiah, four great grandchildren, two sisters, Joann Ozorkiewicz of Aurora CO and Judy K. Heintzelman of Morro Bay CA, and many nieces and nephews.

Jeanne relocated to Winchester VA In 1980 and worked for Shenandoah Federal Savings and Loan then later moved to Martinsburg WV where she and her husband James Kozak (deceased) started a new home construction company for which Jeanne held a contractor’s license.

Jeanne began a career in real estate in 1991. In 1999 she opened as broker and owner of RE/MAX In Action. Establishing herself as a top real estate professional, Jeanne was highly recognized for her achievements by fellow REALTORS on local, state, and national levels. Jeanne served as an officer and director with the Eastern Panhandle Board of REALTORS (EPBR) for several years, and was elected president in 2009. In 2007 she chaired the building committee which resulted in the construction of a new facility for EPBR. For several years Jeanne served as a director for The West Virginia Association of REALTORS (WVAR) and The National Association of REALTORS (NAR). During her career Jeanne’s achievements and awards were numerous and included 1991 EPBR Rookie of The Year, the Carol Snyder Good Neighbor Award for outstanding service to clients and community, the 2014 EPBR Humanitarian Award for selfless contributions on a local, state, and national level. Jeanne was awarded in 2005 The EPBR REALTOR Of The Year, and in 2008 WVAR REALTOR Of The Year Award. She was an EPBR Top Producer 24 consecutive years.

Jeanne made a significant difference in people’s lives through giving and volunteering. She worked with the Frederick MD chapter of Habitat for Humanity, building houses in storm ravaged New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and later in Tuscaloosa AL, traveling to these locations twice a year to join crews from around the country in an effort to provide affordable housing to those in need.

Jeanne enjoyed the sport of fly fishing for trout. As a result, she became aware of Casting for Recovery, a non-profit organization whose mission it is to enhance the quality of life for women with breast cancer through a retreat program that combines breast cancer education and peer support with the therapy of fly fishing. After attending one of the retreats, Jeanne immediately became an avid supporter and contributor, traveling to Hamilton MT last year to help with fund raising efforts. Jeanne was also an avid supporter of Relay for Life.
She was an animal lover who helped with rescue efforts whenever possible. For many years Jeanne and Dan were members of the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America and bred and showed champion Jack Russell Terriers.

A Celebration of Life reception will be held on July 11, 2017 from 12 noon until 3 o’clock at the Purple Iris in Martinsburg WV. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Casting for Recovery (https://castingforrecovery.org) or Hospice of the Panhandle (www.hospiceotp.org). Arrangements are being handled by Brown Funeral Home in Martinsburg (www.brownfuneralhomeswv.com