Priscilla V. Jenness

Rye – Priscilla Jenness, 94, of Rye, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025. Born in Portsmouth, NH, on August 5, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Christopher and Vivian Volkmann. She shared 49 wonderful years with her late husband, William Jenness, until his passing in 1998. Priscilla dedicated 33 years to shaping young minds as an art teacher in Portsmouth schools, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. For 14 of those years, she led as the head of the art department. She also taught at the University of New Hampshire for four years, earning a faculty appointment in 1986 to instruct art education. Passionate about inspiring future educators, she mentored over 80 art education students in her classrooms and at UNH. She also contributed to televised education by teaching several segments of elementary art education on Channel 11. Beyond education, Priscilla was deeply involved in her community. She served as a selectman for the town of Rye for 20 years, passionately advocating for the town’s preservation and working tirelessly to protect it from overdevelopment. She was a past member of the Rye Driftwood Garden Club and the Red Hat Society. An immensely talented artist, Priscilla was known for her beautiful oil landscape paintings. She also had a love for gardening, knitting, and taking scenic drives along the coast of Maine with her son Christopher. A lifelong creative, she once crafted wedding cakes and dresses. She cherished traveling, especially to Italy with her son Steve. Priscilla will be remembered for her strong will, her dedication to her town, and deep love for her family. She is survived by her children, Stephen and his wife Christine, Christopher and his wife Cheryle, and Cynthia, as well as her beloved grandchildren, including Danielle Artz, Nicole Sherburne and, Winter York, and great grandchildren Jaxson, Colston, Greyson, Michael, Gabriella, Aiden, and her sister Frances Hyde. Predecease by her sister Esther Woods. Visitation will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory in Hampton. A grave side service will follow immediately at Rye Central Cemetery, Rye, NH. Donations in Priscilla’s memory may be made to NH PBS by clicking here.

Priscilla V. Jenness

August 5, 1930 - March 14, 2025