Avon: Jean Ellen Housel, age 69, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 28, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at Strong Memorial Hospital.
Jean was born March 2, 1954, in Syracuse, New York, to Margaret and Oliver (Robert) Loomis. She graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1972 and went on to attend SUNY Oswego for her undergraduate degree followed by Syracuse University where she obtained a Master of Education degree. Jean began her teaching career in 1976 in North Syracuse and then moved on to teach in Liverpool. In 1982, she joined the Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District where she taught English and Reading at the Manor School. In 1993, Jean retired from teaching due to progressing symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, which she had been diagnosed with 11 years prior.
Jean, affectionately known as Skipper, was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She treasured spending time with her family and friends. Some of her fondest memories included: spending Fridays with her granddaughters, weekend getaways with her family at their cottage on Keuka Lake, family vacations to Florida, her “sister days” spent on the back porch of her home, and her daily car ride adventures as co-pilot to her husband, John. Jean was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills. She also enjoyed collecting antiques, reading books, and listening to music.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory: loving husband of forty-six years, John Housel; daughter, Deborah (Dave) Nelson; son, John (Maureen) Housel; grandchildren, Charlotte and Palmer Housel; step-grandchildren, Ethan and Chloe Nelson; sisters, Pegianne Arnold of Tallmadge, Ohio, Sharon (Earl) Hayes of Ithaca, New York, Susan (Mark) Loomis-Collatz of East Lansing, Michigan; father-in-law, Alvin Housel of Penn Yan, New York; sister-in-law Terry (Steven) Nussbaumer of Penn Yan, New York; brother-in-law Jeff (Pam) Housel of Penn Yan, New York; and many nieces and nephews.
Jean was predeceased by her parents, Margaret and Oliver (Robert) Loomis, mother-in-law, Thelma Housel, sister, Deborah Loomis, brother-in-law, Robert Arnold and nephew, Steven Nussbaumer.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte. 20A, Livonia, NY, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held immediately following at 12:00 p.m. A celebration of life luncheon will follow at the Avon Inn at 1:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I worked with Jean’s husband John. I can remember coming home to the Housel’s from a job site fairly late at night and Jean always greeted me with a smile and an offer of supper. Depending on the hour sometimes I accepted her gracious hospitality before I headed home to Grand Island. Regardless of what was going on in her life she was always upbeat and thought of what she could do for me and others. I miss her smile. Don Mason
I shared a room with Jean at Manor School. We got pregnant at the same time and our daughters, Rachel and Debbie, were born one week apart. I remember the princess birthday parties we threw for our girls. Jean was an exceptional teacher and woman. My heart is broken at her loss.
I remember Jean so well as a wonderfully perceptive and effective teacher during the beginning of my principalship at Manor School back in the mid eighties. I relished our Special Services Meetings when Jean would report her findings about children’s learning, and also her very specific and positive plans for remediation. I sat mesmerized at those meetings in the presence of a truly exceptional educator. Jean was always clear and forthright with a sprinkling of optimism that the she could help the child achieve the best progress under her tutelage.
I think of Jean often not only because she was an exceptional educator but also because she stood strong through the adversity of her MS diagnosis and her pregnancy in the early years of my tenure at Manor. I especially enjoyed hearing her speak lovingly of her husband, John, and the things he would do to make her life easier and happier. She loved swimming in her backyard pool, and I thought it very special that John built it for her to exercise and enjoy their new home at the time. Though I never visited, Jean proudly shared the many details of a happy family life she shared with her husband and young family. It made me happy to hear that a teacher I admired was happy not only in her career but also her personal life.
I’m a better person for having worked with Jean Housel and I will always remember her fondly as a spirited, friendly and gifted teacher.
I am so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. Jean and I shared a room ay HFL and often co-taught our classes. She was a bright, beautiful and positive woman. She has touched the hearts of many.
I was so very sorry to hear about Jean’s passing and send my condolences to all of her family. Jean was a sweet, sincere person and I admired her strength in the face of the challenges she faced with her health.
So very sorry for the loss. Jean was such a sweet lady and I have wonderful memories of her from high school. May she rest in peace.
John and family. So very sorry to see that our favorite lady has gained her wings. We are so very sad for all of you but knowing Jean she was probably ready. I have driven by your house so many times and think and wonder how she is doing. Jeff loved her very much and what stories they had. She was a very special lady to the Greene family. Fly high Jean till we see you again.
So sad to see this, Jean and her family are wonderful people. Sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss. We’re thinking about the family. Let us know if you need anything.
I will always cherish my special talks with my dear friend Jean!
Her smile was the best! Such an amazing woman. Thinking about those Holiday parties we shared together. All the laughs and stories shared I will forever cherish.