Librarian provided knowledge, friendly face at Glenbard East

When Glenbard East High School students confided in Jeannine Fournier, the head librarian could rattle off a list of book titles relevant to their problem.

All without consulting her keyboard.

"She had a card catalog in her head," Principal Shahe Bagdasarian said.

Fournier, the avid reader and friendly face of the library at the Lombard high school, died Wednesday after a long illness. She was 53.

Over her career, the Oak Park resident evolved with technology, helping students and teachers do research via databases and iPads.

"She knew that library like the back of her hand," Bagdasarian said.

She wasn't the old-school librarian who bristled at loud voices. Fournier was easy to talk to, had a subtle sense of humor and genuinely cared about students, the principal said.

And that's why teens felt comfortable seeking her advice - and her book recommendations - outside of class.

"She had a great rapport with kids," Bagdasarian said.

He notified parents of her death in an email, calling her a "highly regarded member of the East community." Grief counselors also were available for students.

A visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park.

Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to an educational fund: Audrey Glock, c/o: MB Financial, Account No. 6001357129.