| Date of Birth | September 23, 1923 |
| Passed Away | September 1, 2008 |
| Place of Residence | Hornell |
| Home State | NY |
| Service Date | September 5, 2008 |
| Service Time | 11:00 AM |
| Service Location | St. Ann's Church |
| Interment Location | St. Mary's Cemetery |
MARY JEAN McDERMOTT
HORNELL-Mary Jean McDermott, of 480 Maple City Drive, Maple Court Homes, passed away late Monday evening (Sept. 1, 2008) at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, after a sudden illness.
Born in Hornell on Sept. 23, 1923, she was the daughter of the late James and Julia Morsch Wyman. On June 13, 1946, she was married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell to Joseph McDermott, who predeceased her on Nov. 1, 1962, after 16 years of marriage. Besides her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her brother, Edward Wyman.
A long time resident of Hornell, Jean was a graduate of Hornell High School. After the death of her husband, and while raising her children and at the age of 43, she received her master’s degree in elementary education from SUNY at Geneseo.
For 21 years she was employed by the Hornell City School District as a first grade teacher at the former Lincoln School, retiring from the North Hornell School.
Jean was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. She served as a volunteer at St. James Mercy Hospital, for the Hornell Senior Citizen Center and Faith In Action; and also volunteered her time preparing income tax returns for senior citizens. Besides volunteering, she also enjoyed playing cards and computer games as well as quilting and sewing.
Her loving family includes her three children, Bonnie (Robert) Sheedy of Albany, Kathleen Klee of Falconer and Dennis (Georgene) McDermott of Matamoras, Pa.; her five grandchildren, Robby, Erin and Christina Sheedy and Derek and Alissa McDermott; her two great-grandchildren, Evan and Irene McDermott; her brother, William (Margo) Wyman of Plattsburgh; and her two nephews, Richard Wyman and Mark Wyman.
Calling hours are from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell. Friends are invited to meet her family at St. Ann’s Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to Steuben County Rural Ministry, PO Box 61, Canisteo, NY 14823. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
Jean personified the word “lady.” She and her husband were friends of my sister and husband, but I came to know Jean personally through our 500 Card Club. She was my good friend, and I will miss her chuckle and humor and good advice.
The first time I saw The Wizard of Oz was at Jean’s house. She had a colored TV and we didn’t so in our pajamas my parents took my sister and brother and I over to her house. The memory has always stayed with me and I remember it each time I see the Wizard of Oz. Thank you for such a nice memory.
Neale Smith Bacon
Aunt Jean, You hold a special place in my heart and I am sorry to have lost you to us. However, you are in a better place with no pain and worries. I will miss you and never forget how you touched my life. I wish I could be there to say good bye but instead I will remember your cheery disposition and kind words. God bless you.
Remembering such a sweet soul that was placed on this earth to touch all around her. A blessing to all she touched.
My thoughts and prayers to all of our family members especially my Dad, her brother.
Her neice,
Deborah
Kathy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Mrs McDermott was my 1st Grade teacher at Lincoln School. I will always remember her fondly.
To Bonnie, Kathleen and Dennis
Our sincere condolences on your Mom’s passing.
We always looked forward to seeing your Mom in Cocoa Beach. When she stopped her trips there,she would send us the greatest cards at times when we really needed to be comforted or needed some laughter in our lives.
She was a true friend and we will miss her.
Hal & Betty Murray
Arnprior, Ontario, Canada
Dear Bonnie, Kathy and Dennis:
Much like other expatriot Hornellians, I stay in touch via the evening tribune and as my dad would say I check “the irish sports pages”…ie the obituaries. Your mom’s brought back a host of fond memories most of which include Stoney Brook, the Wymans and all the assorted Mooney’s. I even have your Grandmother Wyaman’s chocolate cake recipe!!!!!!!May your mom rest in peace and as I always say I hope the Hornell section of heaven is “soundproof” whenever they open the “back door” for one of their own!!!!!!!!! Take care,Catherine Hogan
catherine_hogan@msn.com