Obituary of Jean M. York

Jean Elizabeth Mould was born on February 20, 1924 to Clarence and Gertrude Mould. A native of Middletown, New York, Jean developed an early love for nature while growing up on a farm. Throughout her childhood, Jean’s father, a veterinarian, took her along on calls to care for sick and injured animals. It was during these times with her father that she developed a strong desire to care for others. Upon graduation from high school, Jean pursued a career in nursing at Fordham Hospital in New York City. She was accepted into the U.S. cadet nursing corps in 1943, requiring her to complete an accelerated nurses training program. Upon graduation, Jean served her country by caring for the ill and injured Soldiers returning from WWII. As the war ended, her high school sweetheart, Donald York, himself a Naval officer, returned home and they wed in 1945 and had 3 children: Douglas, Roger, and Barbara. Donald’s job led to moves around the country, including California, New Jersey, and, eventually to Penfield, New York, where the family settled in 1960.

As her children grew, Jean’s desire to help others led her back to nursing, caring for the most fragile neonates in intensive care units at Highland Hospital, as well as St. Mary’s. In her free time, Jean was a talented gardener, avid birdwatcher, and frequent visitor to nature trails across New York state. She shared her love of the outdoors with her children and grandchildren, and was known for her meticulously planned trips to parks and nature centers.

Jean was an active participant of the Penfield Presbyterian Church for over 40 years and held a great love for her community of friends that were family to her. She enjoyed hosting friends and family for wonderful meals, and was particularly known for her baking talent. Her homemade cakes and cookies were second to none, and she enjoyed making each child and grandchild a special cake for their birthday celebration. Jean will forever be remembered by loving friends and family as a highly intelligent, caring woman who made things brighter wherever she was. As she downsized and moved from her home, leaving behind her beautiful garden, she gave her apartment an immediate upgrade by planting colorful flowers around the building’s exterior. She continued to brighten the path at the Atria in Penfield, and eventually, at St. John’s home in Rochester, where she lived until her death.

She is survived by her loving children, Barbara York Howell of Webster and Douglas York of Fenwick Island, DE; grandchildren Carla York-Zimmerman (Matthew) of Cabin John, MD, Cristyn York Scott (Kevin) of Centreville, VA, Corinne York of Albany, Benjamin Howell of Bethel, CT, and Deborah Howell of Danbury, CT, as well as 4 great-grandchildren: Nicholas & Nathaniel Scott, and Matthew & Mallory Zimmerman. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Roger York.

Calling hours will be 4-7 pm Sunday, March 17 at Jennings Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home, Penfield. A service will be held on Monday, March 18 at 11:00 at the Penfield Presbyterian Church, Jackson Rd, Penfield. It was Jean’s wish that any donation in her name be made to the Penfield Presbyterian Church.