Obituary of Jean Frances Weaver , 94

Jean Frances Weaver, 94 years old and lifelong resident of State College, died Thursday, July 29, 2010, at her residence.

Born March 21, 1916, Jean was the daughter of the late Maggie Gilliland Sims and Albert Folscheid. Along with her mother, she was raised by her grandparents, Mariah and William (Bill Pickles) Gilliland, and all of her aunts and uncles.

She considered her family to be her greatest blessing, and we were fortunate and honored to be able to share her love and appreciate the gratitude she had for her life. On August 11, 1937, she married the love of her life, Ralph L. Weaver, who preceded her in death on July 9, 1982.

Jean is survived by her children: Linda K. Weaver of Dalton, Dennis H. Weaver (Nan) of Port Matilda, and Elaine A. Weaver of Boalsburg; her grandchildren: Brian Haldeman of Gaithersburg, Md., Kevin Haldeman (Erica) of Dalton, Karen Connors (Jeff) of Aurora, Colo., Shannon Weaver of Port Matilda, Jenny Hur (Dae) of Macungie, and Steven Weaver (Allison) of Port Matilda; and her great-grandchildren: Kaitlin and Jonathan Hur of Macungie, Haley Weaver of Port Matilda, Bryce Haldeman of Dalton, and her namesake, Natalie Jean Connors of Aurora, Colo. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. As her health failed, Mom's fondest wish in the past year was that she live to see these last two babies come into this world, and she accomplished that with four months to spare. Over those months, the many baby photos that came her way sustained her and left her with a feeling of accomplishment in the circle of life.

A lifelong homemaker, Jean was known for her cooking and baking prowess. She loved cooking and baking for others and took great delight in being able to give entrees and baked goods as gifts. Although she had a very wide repertoire, her macaroni & cheese, chicken potpie, and sugar cookies were legendary. As she became unable to spend time in the kitchen, she came to rely on the Food Network, as she could always cook vicariously through her favorite on- screen chefs.

She was a 53- year member of State College's Faith United Church of Christ and the Women's Guild, where she tirelessly participated in their holiday pecan sale, preparing funeral dinners, and in the annual strawberry festival. Although rapidly failing, she took great delight in being able to attend and participate in this past June's strawberry festival. Her other volunteer accomplishments included being one of the original Meals on Wheels cooks, helping at Red Cross blood drives, and serving as a teacher's aide at the Corl Street Elementary School. Mom was happiest when she was doing for others and it was evident by the love and selflessness that she put into it. She was young at heart and told anyone who would listen that she loved the life that God had given her.

A celebration honoring Mom's life and spirit will be held Sunday, August 15th at 2PM at the Faith United Church of Christ, 300 E. College Avenue in State College with Pastor Dr. Diane Prosser officiating. A reception will follow the service at Elaine's on Main Street, 200 E. Main St. in Boalsburg. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family at the Centre County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Jean's memory to one of the following: Faith United Church of Christ, 300 E. College Ave. State College, PA 16801, Home Nursing Agency Hospice Centre County, 201 Chestnut Ave. P.O. Box 352 Altoona, PA 16603, or State College Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1235 State College, PA 16804. Mom's own last act of compassion was to donate her pacemaker to the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School so that an animal who might otherwise die will be able to live on.

A guestbook can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.