1923 - 2018
SPRINGFIELD CENTER – Jean Bowen Gerhartz, aged 94, passed away peacefully Friday, August 3, 2018, at St. John’s in Rochester with her family by her side.
Jean was born November 7, 1923, in Cooperstown, one of three daughters of Francis and Lena (Hood) Bowen.
A long-time resident of Springfield Center, Jean grew up there, graduating from Springfield Central School in 1941. She was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church where, on April 15, 1945, she married the love of her life, William Frederick “Chick” Gerhartz. Soon after marrying, the couple made Springfield Center their home, enjoying 63 years of marriage before his passing on December 10, 2008.
Jean was employed for many years as a medical secretary at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she participated in the Women’s Guild at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and the Fire Auxiliary of the Springfield Fire Department.
A devoted mother and homemaker, Jean delighted in spending time with her family. She thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, swimming, cross country skiing, and long walks, and she instilled this love in the hearts of her children and grandchildren. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a warm, kind spirit. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Jean is survived by her sister, Meryl Ashton of Lake Wales, FL; son, William Gerhartz, Jr. and his wife, Joyce of Penfield; daughter, Jill Jensen and her husband, Steve of Agawam, MA; grandchildren, Julie Gerhartz O’Neill and her husband, Thomas of Nokesville, VA, Jamie Gerhartz of Manassas,VA, Sara Jensen of Suffield, MA, and Daniel Jensen of Agawam, MA; great grandchildren, Sage Gerhartz-Johnsen, Aiden O’Neill and Tenley O’Neill; cousin, Jane Doyle Prior of Springfield Center; niece, Susan Peasley Clapper and her husband Clark of Springfield Center; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
In addition to her husband she was predeceased by her sister, Dorthea Peasley.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Springfield Center. Interment will be in Springfield Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts are deeply appreciated and may be made to St. John’s Foundation, 150 Highland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620, www.stjohnsliving.org/donate, or Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326, www.susquehannaanimalshelter.org/support.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.