Jean E. Stodart, 84, of Sinking Spring died July 8, 2016 at Reading Hospital following heart surgery.
She was born Jan. 21, 1932 in DuBois to George F. and Mildred L. (Smith) Solley. She grew up in Curwensville near the entrance to the famous Bilger’s Rocks.
She attended a one-room schoolhouse along Anderson Creek Hill Road during the early years of her education.
Her best early memories were of playing at her grandmother Susanna Solley’s house and with her beloved neighbors, Buzz and Virgie Michaels.
She married Francis B. Stodart in Houtzdale in 1951 and they lived briefly in Niagara Falls, NY, before returning to her husband’s hometown of Madera, a place she dearly loved.
There, she was a volunteer election poll worker and a Girl Scout leader, and she cared for her parents, neighbors and in-laws and raised her family. In October of 1992, she moved to Sinking Spring to be near her four children.
She is survived by her children, Diane T., wife of James Yarger; Marilyn L., wife of Donald Faughner; Kevin F. Stodart; and Hugh C. Stodart, all of Sinking Spring.
In addition, there are her grandchildren, Courtney N. and Jacob T. Stodart, and former daughter-in-law, Teresa Stodart of Olanta. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Linda Guerin and Sally Villar, all of Niagara Falls, NY, and her cat, Dollie.
She enjoyed her trip to Disney World in 1986, a fond memory that lasted her lifetime. She loved animals and was a volunteer with Save A Yorkie Rescue. She was a Methodist, an organ donor and a life-long Democrat.
She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents; her sisters, Ruth Avanell Bennett and Dorothy Lubert; and a nephew, Joe Conrad.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, at the Kruise-Spewock Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., Madera. Rev. Robert Ford will officiate. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Madera.
Condolences may be made at www.kruise-spewock.com.