Obituary of Jean Carpenter

Jean R. Carpenter, 89, of Foxdale Village, State College PA, died at home on March 9, 2013. She was born Edith Jean Richards on August 25, 1923 in Highland Park, MI to the late Edith Ellen (Rowe) and Thomas Craze Richards. Raised in Pleasant Ridge MI, she was the January 1941 Salutatorian of Lincoln High School, Highland Park. She received her BS (Geology 1945) from the University of Michigan, and worked as a geologist in Texas before returning to UM to earn her MS (Geology ~1948). Jean was the loving and beloved wife of Keith Robert Carpenter from June 24, 1950 until his death August 1, 1980. During their, they resided in Geneva, NY, Mendham, NJ, Bethesda, MD and rural Hunterdon County NJ. Jean was primarily a homemaker while her family was young, and was active in church everywhere she lived, most recently at State College Presbyterian. She loved music and sang with various church and community choirs. Jean's interests and volunteer work took her all over the world—teaching and tutoring in the sciences and literacy, and using her God-given vision to help others help themselves. Jean was known for her love of the natural world, passion for education, faith in Christ, and spirit of adventure. Her family and friends rejoice in memories of her unconditional love, humility, sense of humor and delight in the uniqueness of people. Jean is survived by two daughters: Gail (Rick) Yates of Denver PA and Diane (Doug) Garrett of Palmyra PA; ten grandchildren: Patrick (Jill Marcin) Garrett, James Garrett, Sylvie Garrett (fiancé Phillip Schafer), Brad (Katie Notte) Yates, Greg Yates, Karen Yates and Laura Yates; and many extended family members. In addition to her husband, she was also predeceased by two children, Janet Marie Carpenter and Paul Warren Carpenter and her brother, Thomas Earl Richards. Friends are invited to a Celebration of her Life in the Auditorium at Foxdale Village, 500 E Marylyn Avenue, State College, PA on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 2 pm. Joel Blunk, Associate Pastor of State College Presbyterian Church, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jean's memory to Heifer Project (heifer.org) or to the Foxdale Village Givers of Care Funds (www.foxdalevillage.org) in recognition of the warmth and excellence of the care she received as a resident there. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and guest book signing may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.