Obituary of Jean E. LeClaire

Penn Yan: Jean, 89, died peacefully with her loving daughters at her side, at her home on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023.

She was born in Rome, NY, to Harold and Winifred Payne, and relocated with her family to Penn Yan in her high school years - where on her first day of school she met the love of her life, Bruce LeClaire. After raising her "girls" and supporting her husband's many years of public service, she attended and graduated from the Marion S. Whelan School of Nursing in Geneva. She then enjoyed a long career at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital in Penn Yan as a surgical nurse. She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church, active in Home Bureau, and for many years a regular volunteer at local Red Cross blood drives. In her later years she enjoyed her monthly card games with life-long friends.

Jean was an avid reader, enjoyed home renovations with her husband, crocheting, knitting, gardening, playing and later watching golf, and was an enthusiastic Buffalo Bills and Syracuse basketball fan. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother and "Nanny" to her 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 29th at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Penn Yan with a luncheon to follow immediately after.

Jean is survived by her daughters Karen (Marsh) Wren, Sharon (Ted) Skalny, Carol (Jim Skinner) Langdon, Laurie (Kevin) Koek, Kris (Jim) Griffin; grandchildren Michael (Maureen) Wren, Katie Young, Scott Skalny, Brandon (Becky) Koek, Garrett (Emily) Koek, Ruth Emily (Mike) Spencer, Adam (Tiphanie) Griffin, Aaron (Melissa Barry) Griffin; and great-grandchildren Madeline and Boden Wren, Rebecca Young, Joslyn Spencer, Chloe Campbell, Callie, Elliotte, and Finley Griffin, Miles, Ellie, and Cooper Koek, and many loving nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband R. Bruce LeClaire, her parents Harold and Winifred Payne, her brother John (Louise) Payne, and Janice (William) Martin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting something in your yard or garden in Jean's memory. Memories of Jean may be shared with her family and friends at townsendwoodzinger.com