Obituary of Jean M. Witzel

Jean Marie Witzel of Honeoye Falls, died Friday, March 30, 2012 at age 75. Jean was born the daughter of Hilbert and Virginia O'Brien Ahlers on April 24, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY. She was predeceased by her daughter, Ruth Frances and brother, Paul Ahlers. Jean is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas; daughter, Ann Marie (Michael); son and daughter, Richard and Chris; son, Michael (Dana); grandchildren, Connie, Jesse, James and Harris; great grandsons, Andrew and William; sister, Carol (Tim) Sullivan; brother, Robert (Carol) Ahlers; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jean started her teaching career in Webster, NY. She was a long time teacher and then the director of St. John's Nursery School in Honeoye Falls. She taught at Empire State and Roberts Wesleyan Colleges, preparing a new generation of men and women to teach young children. Her years at the Rochester City School District working in the Family Learning Center were challenging and a most valued experience for her. She was committed to her membership with RAEYC, who honored her in 1995 with "The Friend of Young Children Award". Until 2010, she worked with a national program to certify new teachers. Jean had such a joy for living and rejoicing in this beautiful world. She loved her community and her church. She celebrated with music at every chance and sang in the choir at St. Paul of the Cross Church in Honeoye Falls. She volunteered her time at the Benincasa hospice home for a dozen years. She raised goats, tended a vegetable garden with her husband and grew beds of bright flowers all over their homestead. She would trade sleep to finish a good book, and wrote letters worth keeping. She grew up near the ocean and with her family in tow, made a sojourn to the beach almost every year. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. She would remind us to care for those in need and prayers are always welcomed. At Jean's request, there will be no prior calling. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 9, 2012 at 10 am at St. Paul of the Cross, 37 Monroe Street, Honeoye Falls, where a reception will follow her mass. Interment will be held in North Bloomfield Cemetery.