July 2011
Jeanie Cheneweth, L9986, wife of former FMCA national president Charles Cheneweth, died on May 2, 2011, in Chula Vista, California. She was 84.
Charles served as Western Area national vice president from 1981 to 1982 and was elected national senior vice president in 1982. He assumed the position of national senior vice president/acting president in November 1983 upon the untimely death of FMCA president John Linebaugh, L12971. Charles was elected to FMCA national president the next summer and served in that position from 1984 to 1986. Charles passed away on December 19, 1996.
Charles and Jeanie were encouraged to join FMCA and the California chapter by friends Don and Marge Erskine, F1331, which they did in 1972. During Charles’ tenure as national president he helped spearhead the formation of two chapters intended to meet the special needs of FMCA members. The Singles International chapter was launched as a support system for those who had lost their mates to death or divorce, or who had chosen to live the single life. The Achievers International chapter was formed to provide opportunities for fellowship and to serve as a liaison between handicapped members and FMCA leaders.