Jean L Rountree

Jean L. Rountree, 92, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022 in Jacksonville, FL, after a long struggle with dementia. She was born on November 26, 1929 in Rochester NY, the first of five children, to the late George and Clara (Marvin) Love.

Jean graduated in 1948 from Rush-Henrietta High School and married Lincoln Rountree on February 4, 1950. The couple split time between NY and FL. Her first two children were born in Rochester NY. The family permanently moved to Daytona Beach, FL in 1956, where her younger two children were born. In October of 1967, the couple divorced. Jean moved to Fowlerville, NY in 1972 and worked for Griffen Computer Services. Once her children were grown, she moved back to Daytona Beach, where she worked for Security First Federal and retired in 1992.

She was actively involved in the Civil Air Patrol in both NY and FL, where she rose to the rank of Captain. Jean had a wild and free soul who loved everything outdoors. After retiring, she went on to work in our National Parks, her favorites including Denali, Yellowstone, and finally Shenandoah. At 80 years old she completed a 101 mile section of the Appalachian Trail. Her travels took her to remote areas and wild sites, her most animated stories including witnessing a polar bear and her cubs and chastising a young bear for getting into the garbage at Shenandoah. In 2012, she moved to Jacksonville, FL to live with her daughter. The last seven years of her life, she lived inside her mind, where she continued her adventures.

Jean is survived by three of her children; Roy (Therese) of Leonardtown, MD; William of Falls Church, VA; and Elizabeth Blacker of Orange Park, FL; two brothers, Roy Love of St. Petersburg, FL; Donald (Dawn) Love of Dansville, NY; one sister, Gail Love of Rochester, NY; 9 grandchildren, Edward, Kari, Kenneth, Tricia, Bernadette, Jacqueline, Ariel, Nicole, and William; and 10 great-children.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brother George Love, III, and her son Richard (Patricia). The family extends their gratitude to the staff of Opis Riverwood Center, who lovingly cared for Jean in her last years. Cremation is being handled by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Interment will be in Volusia Memorial Park in Ormond Beach, FL at a later date. Family and friends will gather at Shenandoah National Park, also at a later date, for a celebration of Jean and all she loved.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Dementia Society of America and/or The National Park Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Rountree family.