Obituary of Jean Proper, 100

Jean H. Proper, 100 1/2 years old, died Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Hearthside Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Born September 7, 1915, in Sandy Lake. It was a simpler time when she rode the back of workhorse to a one room schoolhouse, and received pearl buttons for Christmas for her best dress. She was the daughter of the late H. Walter and Mary Grace Zahniser Harrison.

Jean graduated from Stoneboro High School in 1933, from the Oil City School of Nursing in 1937, and from Mercy Hospital School of Anesthesia as a nurse anesthetist in 1940.

On August 12, 1950 she married Jack E Proper. Together they lived on a farm in Troy Center, PA. They both worked at the Titusville hospital where she was a nurse anesthetist until her retirement in 1977.

She resided in the Titusville area until 2011 when she moved to the Juniper Village at Brookline in State College for the remainder of her years. Her husband, Jack, preceded her in death on May 18, 2007.

Jean is survived by her children, Jorene Proper, and her husband, John Corneal, of Petersburg and Jan Proper and his wife, Lynn, of Mulberry, FL. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Agnes Proper who resides with her nephew, Barney Lewis and his wife, Carol Lewis, of Titusville, and her sister-in-law, Edna Van Cise of Centerville, PA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Eric Proper, Heather Haylett, Devon Corneal and Paul Corneal, along with nephews, nieces, and great grandchildren.

Jean enjoyed watching birds, traveling, flying with the pilots of the family, and making costumes and creating make-up for the family clown troupe.

Jean was a member of the United Methodist Churches of Troy Center and Titusville. Her church activities inspired youth groups and her faith was a foundation for her life. She loved hymns by Elvis.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Titusville Hospital, 406 West Oak Street Titusville, PA 16354.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.