Obituary of Jean C. Willis

Jean C. Willis, 85, of Cortland passed away November 30, 2010 as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Jean was born August 17, 1925 in Cortland, the daughter of the late John and Frances Smith Cudworth. Jean was a member of the Homer Methodist Church, was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed traveling. Jean was a member of the Syracuse University Alumni Association, and was a member of the Cortland Regional Medical Center Auxiliary; she was also involved with YWCA water exercise program. Jean had been employed at the Cortland Standard as city editor before becoming Director of Publications for the Agency Corporation in Syracuse. Her family was her number one priority. Jean is survived by her children Kathy (Jere) Dexter of Florida, Robert (Nan) Willis of Vermont, James (Lynda) Willis of Utica, Mary Sue (Edwin) Keep of Homer, JoAnn Dodson of California, brother J. Robert (Kay) Cudworth of Camillus; grandchildren Jennifer (Eric) Hamilton, Beth Dexter, Mackenzie Dexter, Christopher Willis, Matthew (Lindsay) Willis, Jason (Carrie) Willis, Julie Willis, Jaimee Willis, Jessica Willis, Rebecca (Jason) Seamans, Kelley Lottermoser, Nathan Keep, Kristen (Matt) Haley, Eric Sega; great grandchildren Olivia and Caleb Hamilton, Victoria and Iyano Willis, Hannah and Piper Willis, Finnegan Willis, Natalee Gibney, Taylor Seamans, Madelyn Haley; and nieces Jacqueline (Jack) Frost, Suzanne Jarrett and Steve Cudworth. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 6 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY. Internment will be in the McGraw Cemetery. Friends are invited to call 4-6 pm prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cortland Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. To offer condolence online, visit www.wright-beard.com I am the youngest daughter of Eleanor Martin. Having lived in the west (originally Oregon, now Idaho) most of my adult life, it has been several years since I last visited with Jean. I think it was probably Mom's funeral. I know Mom was very fond of Jean, and although I never knew her well, I know family was important to her and it will be your family, together, that will help you through the pain of her passing. My condolences to the extended family in your loss. Your cousin, Janet Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family during this difficult time. Let the good memories fill you with love during this time of letting go. Be safe with the snow! With sympathy, John and Margo I still cannot believe that she is gone. I shall always remember her as the most perceptive and wonderful person -- and the greatest, un-bossy "boss" -- as we worked together on Agway communications. What a treasure the world has lost! The only consolation I have is that her suffering was brief. I am sure that she is now in the comforting "arms" of the Lord. With love, Sue Zarins Bob and I would like to send our condolences to everyone in Jean's family. I'm Don Ferrell's daughter, so Jean was my cousin. On behalf of our side of the family, we would like to say how sorry we are that Jean lost her life in such a tragic way. Our father lost his life in a car accident in 2001, so we know what you're feeling. It's very hard for the loved ones left behind. Although we won't be at Jean's funeral ( we live in Colorado), our prayers and thoughts will be with all of you on Saturday. Our love, Linda I'm so sorry to hear about Jean. My memories go back to the late 1940's when Jean & my mother (Lissa), both working at the Cortland Standard, became good friends. Mother treasured her friendship. My sincere condolences to all the family. Carlsa Thoman King Happy Friday Jean. We miss you. PACU Kathy and family: I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish I could alleviate your sorrow in some way, but I know it's impossible. I offer my thoughts and prayers at this time. Love, Jane Richards Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers. Andy Lalonde and Family As my only "family" 1st cousins Jean and her brother "Bob" Cudworth's home was my home away from home--during summer vacations growing up, while at Syracuse University in the middle '40s, at my wedding in '48, and through our adult lives, while living in upstate NY. Jean has been my "go to person" via E-mail since we moved to Fl. and N.C. in our "Golden years". I certainly appreciate Bob's concerned call to tell me personally about the loss of this vibrant life and I join in sending my heartfelt condolences to all the family. Jean will live forever in our prayers and our memories. With Love, Irene Dufty We have known Jean for years. She was well liked and respected. We wish her family the best and offer our sympathy. We hope you can enjoy the many fond memories you have. Jim & Lillie Dugan