Jean R. Mowry

May 28, 1921 - April 6, 2015

05/28/1921 - 04/06/2015

Jean R. Mowry of Wheeling died peacefully at home on Easter Monday morning with her daughter at her side. She was born in Jeannette, PA on May 28, 1921, at home, to Anna and William Black. She and her twin June weighed approximately two pounds each at birth. A 1939 graduate of Jeannette High School, she attended nursing school in Latrobe, PA. She eloped in a winter snow storm with William Mowry in December, 1940. When her husband enlisted in the army in WWII she returned with her new born daughter, Judy, to her family in Jeannette and worked as a cost accountant for the Elliott Company.

After WWII she and her family lived in Pittsburgh prior to their transfer to the Wheeling area. After working in various jobs in the medical field, she became the medical librarian for the OVGH Nursing School for 33 years until her retirement.

She is predeceased by her husband of 73 years, Bill, her parents, as well as her twin, June, her younger sister, Marion, and her son-in-law, Jim Minder.

Jean was a superb knitter creating high school graduation outfits for her twin and herself. Later she knitted with and taught many people to knit with her knitting group at the Stifel Center and later at Louis’s Hot Dogs. She loved to read, do crossword puzzles, along with her knitting and was devastated by her diagnosis with macular degeneration. Learning to drive at age 14, it was difficult for her to give up driving at age 89. Jean was a docent at the Oglebay Mansion for many enjoyable years as an “expert” on the dining room.

She and her husband travelled extensively throughout the United States to visit relatives and sightsee. They also traveled to Canada, Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean. With her friend, Wanda Riddle, she traveled in Switzerland and had planned to travel more extensively in Europe.

She is survived by her daughter, Judith D. Mowry Minder, grandchildren, Michael J. Minder Kirsten and Lisa A. Minder Liu Yang as well as great-grandchildren Amelia Minder, Gavin Minder, William Liu, and Caleb Hoffer.

The public is invited to a Memorial Gathering from 10 AM until time of service at 10:30 AM in the Chapel at Christ Methodist Church, National Road and Washington Avenue , with the Rev. Judith Fisher, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Oglebay Institute, or, in appreciation for her wonderful care, to Valley Hospice in Jean’s name or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Mrs. Mowry’s family is being served by the Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1400 Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV.

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susan gilbert petran
8 years ago

I wish to extend my sympathy to Mrs. Mowery’s family — I was a student @ OVGH School of Nursing 1962-1965 – I remember Mrs. Mowery so very well – she was always so helpful to all the students –