Jean McElhaney King

Jean King was a devoted wife and mother, a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to life and in her relationships. She was a kind and generous woman who was realistic about life and always prepared to take on responsibility. She was also a woman who was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her.

Jean was the daughter of Ralph and Dorothy McElhaney. She grew up just outside of Pittsburgh in Sturgeon, Pennsylvania and was raised with five siblings. She had two older brothers, Jerry and Carl and one older sister Gail. She had a younger brother Johnny and a younger sister Judy. Jean was involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Jean had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. She enjoyed her roles in school plays and in her spare time she liked to sew, read and play the piano. However, to Jean, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her brothers, sisters and friends.

Jean enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Jean was able to manage the balancing act. After graduating from Ohio Valley General Nursing School in 1956, she continued her studies and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Duquesne University in 1960. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Masters of Education degree from Towson University.

On July 2, 1960 Jean exchanged wedding vows with N. Paul King, Jr. at Saint Paul's Cathedral of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jean was committed to making her new family happy. They shared a fun and loving relationship for nearly 44 years and realized their dreams through raising their five sons and through deep personal friendships. They dreamt of a trip to Ireland together and they made it come true, traveling and enjoying one another's company on a trip of a lifetime for both of them.

Jean worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Jean was blessed with five sons, Paul, Ronnie, Kris, Kenny and Kevin and new chapter of Jean's life opened as her sons married and five wonderful daughters came into her life, Mary Beth, Donna, Cathy, Cheri and Lisa. Jean was also blessed with the gift of fifteen grandchildren, Kristen, Kerry Anne, Jessica, Ryan, Sean, Brady, Christopher, Caitlin, Matthew, Caroline, Mason, Peyton, Lillie, Danny and Alex.

Fortunately, Jean enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Jean worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. She taught nursing for many years at Harford Community College and developed close relationships with her students. Jean always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, but, she turly enjoyed taking her students to area hospitals where they gained valuable hands on training.

Jean enjoyed her leisure time by reading, attending baseball and basketball games, playing with her grandchildren, and relaxing with her friends and family. She was content to spend quiet time alone reading short stories and the daily newspaper, but was also happy to share her interests and a cup of coffee (or two) with others.

Jean found pleasure in sports and enjoyed countless hours watching her boys baseball and basketball games. She also dabbled with archery and spent time with friends in a recreational bowling league. Jean enjoyed following her favorite professional teams as well, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers, but was often caught watching the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens with just as much enthusiasm, well... almost as much enthusiasm.

Jean’s was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Texas, Maryland for over 40 years and her faith was very important to her. Jean's strong faith and Christian values were evident in her daily living and loving devotion to her family and others.

Jean enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Her favorite vacations included summer camping trips at Trap Pond, visiting her brothers and sisters and traveling to Ireland.

In retirement, she found new pleasure with extended family visits and made a second home in Florida where she fled the Baltimore winters and enjoyed warmer weather and sunshine. Even in retirement, Jean continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making new acquaintances.

Simply stated, Jean was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Jean leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Jean King.

The family will receive friends in the Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc. 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road), Timonium, MD 21093 on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in the St. Joseph Church 101 Church Lane, Cockeysville, MD on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 10 a.m. Interment Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed in Mrs. King’s name to the Barbara J. Egan Nursing and Rehab. Center, 200 Luther Road Shrewsbury, PA 17361. A guest register is available at www.lemmonfuneralhome.com