The daughter of James Greenlee and Marie Heskett, Jean was born and raised in their home above her parents’ Greenlee General Store in West Bellaire Ohio. She met Stewart Merrill while she attended Western Reserve University and he studied at adjoining Case Institute of Technology. They married in 1950, on the evening of her graduation. Jean taught school at Indian Springs Elementary school in Columbus after graduation.
In 1954, Jean and Stewart moved to Rochester, New York, where they raised four children. Foremost, a loving mother, wife and devoted friend, she was a choir member of the Presbyterian church, an avid reader, artist, tender-hearted listener, Meals on Wheels volunteer and a welcoming neighbor. She was a renowned entertainer. Her children’s friends still recall goldfish crackers, desserts and soft drinks appearing magically during even the briefest of visits!
Jean’s invariably cheerful voice distinguished her positive attitude for life and expectations for her children. “Smile, you are loved,” was a constant refrain and “pouting” was prohibited. Her insistence for honesty was legendary, sending $2 to a restaurant in 1971 when her daughter came home with a glass 'souvenir' ash tray.
Retiring to Seneca, South Carolina in 1984, Jean and Stew made new friends and became Clemson baseball fans. The not-to-be-missed Thanksgiving reunions began and Mom was in her glory orchestrating high-octane feasts and welcoming her 20 family members at all hours.
Dearly loved by her children and grandchildren, she returned the love ten times over. She will be missed.
She is survived by daughter Ann Flynn (Bob), sons Jim (Patti), Dave (Tracey) and Doug (Lori), ten grandchildren, Jenna, Tom (Halley), Mike (Erin), Amanda (Andy), Sam (Nichole), Luke, Katie, Jeremy (Megan), Jessie, and Nate, and five great-grandchildren, Finn, Tessa, Benjamin, Hazel and Warren.
Together with Stew for nearly 70 years, she was his loving caregiver at the end of his life. Stew preceded her in death in 2017.
In lieu of flowers, remind someone that you love them. Jean would approve.
Family will gather for a private burial service in honor of Jean in Ohio.
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