Jean Sylvia Higgins Eggert, age 97, passed away on February 18, 2025, at The Chesapeake Retirement Community in Newport News, Virginia. The daughter of Leroy and Sylvia Higgins, she was born in Dover and grew up in nearby Durham, New Hampshire.
Jean graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1949, completed a dietetic internship at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, and worked as a dietitian for the Veterans Administration Hospitals in Framingham, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire.
In 1953, she married Gerald G. Eggert, a union that lasted until his death in 2012. Upon marrying, Jean became a homemaker and mother. She supported her husband throughout his career teaching American History at the University of Maryland, Bowling Green (Ohio) State University, the University of Michigan, and Penn State.
While living in State College, Pennsylvania, Jean was a member of the University Women’s Club, and the State College Woman’s Club. She volunteered for Centre Community Hospital and Youth Employment Services; yet she was always there for her family. Jean was an avid PSU football supporter and NFL fan. She was an animal lover and had numerous pet cats and dogs throughout her life. Jean always put others before herself.
Jean was pre-deceased by her brother, James Higgins. She is survived by her children, Michael Eggert (Flora), Susan Williams (Stephen) and Christine Bonaduce (Stephen); six grandchildren: Matthew (Morgan), David and Joselynn Eggert; Christopher and Patrick Bonaduce; Katharine Bonaduce Harkcom (Jeff); one great grandchild, Rowan Harkcom; and her sister Doris Lumper.
Visitation will be on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 11 am to 12 pm at Koch Funeral Home in State College. A graveside service will follow at Boalsburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the animal related charity of your choice.