Jean T. Witmer, 96, of Bellefonte, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. Born on July 20, 1928, in Hatfield, PA, Jean was the daughter of the late William and Mary (Hile) Tucker. She married Richard K. Witmer on
August 13, 1949, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in State College. Richard preceded her in death in September 2016.
Jean was a distinguished 1946 graduate of Bellefonte High School, where she was Salutatorian of her class. She continued her education at Penn State University, where she earned honors, graduating in 1949 with a BA in English and a minor in Social Studies. Jean began her career as a substitute teacher in the Bellefonte Area School District, later serving as a teacher’s aide at Pleasant Gap Elementary School. In 1974, she joined the Pattee Library, where she worked until her retirement in 1984.
Jean was active in many community activities. She worked for years with the Reach to Recovery program, coordinating visits between volunteers and breast cancer patients. For many years she prepared and served meals for the Bellefonte Lunch Program. She was a lifelong member of Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church, serving as head of the Lay Visitation Committee for many years and working in the food bank.
Jean enjoyed reading, downhill skiing, square dancing, flower gardening, arranging flowers, sewing, and cooking. She belonged to several book clubs and was a member of the Red Hats.
The most important areas of her life were faith, family, and friends.
She is survived by her three sons: Frederick T. Witmer of Etters, PA; Seth Witmer of Chesterbrook, PA; and Thomas R. Witmer and his wife, Janice, of Bellefonte, PA. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jared (Jill) Witmer, Noelle (Scott) Studer, Adonica Witmer
(Aaron Lancaster), Brendan Witmer (Adriel Rose), Heidi (Chandler) Pope, Gabriel Witmer, and Roanna (Michael) Minaya; sixteen great-grandchildren; and one brother, William H. Tucker and his wife, Patricia, of State College. She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Dona Witmer.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Pleasant Gap United Methodist Church, with Pastors Carrie Granche and Elisa Osman officiating. Jean will be laid to rest beside her husband at Union Cemetery in Bellefonte.
Arrangements are entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc. in Milesburg, PA. Online guest book is available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com, where you may also post your condolences.