Jean Willis-Morin

Jean Ford Willis Morin, age 91, formerly of 44 Division Street, Amsterdam and more recently a resident of Wallins Corners Apartments in Amsterdam, passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at her daughter, Carole’s home in West Glenville.

Jean was born January 16, 1927 in Amsterdam, the daughter of the late Emma Welke (Ford) Laidlaw and the late Victor E. Ford.

She was a 1944 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. She attended Zion Evangelical Church where she was confirmed. During WWII, she worked at the Amsterdam Printing Company. On August 11, 1946 she married her childhood sweetheart, George E. Willis. Jean and George moved to New York City where she worked as the secretary to the Vice-President of The American Book Company. Upon returning to Amsterdam, Jean worked many different jobs throughout the years. She worked as a Kelly Girl, Hayes & Wormouth, the American Red Cross, Bisbee Linseed Co., Amsterdam Printing Co., Miller Printing and as a typist for local court reporters. She also worked as a typist for Tryon Abstract Co. of Johnstown.

Jean was an active member of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church where she had taught Sunday School and served with the Altar Guild. She was a member of the Academy Street Elementary School PTA, where she served as president. She also served as an officer in the New York State PTA.

During their 50 years of marriage Jean was very supportive of George, working beside him at the Willis Funeral Home and cooking countless dinners at church and at the Masonic Temple. After raising their family they spent many years golfing and residing in their camping trailer from May until October at Alpine Lake. Jean’s hobbies included reading, sewing, cooking, collecting and restoring antique furniture, dancing and parties with family and friends. In later years Jean proudly referred to herself as a “stubborn old German woman” and she did not hesitate to speak her mind. She believed she had lived a full and happy life. She adored her family and her greatest joy was having the entire family come for dinner at 44 Division Street.

Jean was predeceased by her husband, George, on July 12, 1996. On May 15, 1999 Jean married Joseph (Skip) Morin. They enjoyed one another’s company until his death in January 2017. Jean was also predeceased by her infant half-sister, Janice L. Laidlaw, her mother, Emma Laidlaw, her half-brother, Leslie W. Laidlaw and her step-father, Herbert Laidlaw.

Jean is survived by her four daughters: Linda (Douglas) Jenks of Northville, Carole (Michael) Strozyk of West Glenville, Deb Willis of Amsterdam, and Laura (John) Rose of Hampton, NH. She is also survived by her “other daughter”, Debi (Salak) Marek of Fort Johnson. She is survived by seven grandchildren: Brian (Diane) Jenks of South Euclid, OH, Gretchen (Paul) Jones of Sherburne, NY, James Jenks of Vestal, NY, Renee Pacillo of Amsterdam, NY, Sara DelCostello of Amsterdam, NY, Heather (Ciaran) McMullan of Newton, MA and Amy (Brandon) Waylett of Burnt Hills, NY. She is also survived by fifteen great-grandchildren: Madalyn, Wyatt, Eleanora and Elizabeth Jones, Sophia, Oliver and Avery Jenks, Anthony and Vincent Pacillo, Niamh, Cormac, Finnian and Seamas McMullan and Paxton and Zane Waylett. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, sister-in-law, brother-in-law and three stepchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, 37 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010; Wednesday afternoon March 28, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., where The Office for the Burial of the Dead with the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated, with The Very Rev. Neal P. Longe officiating.

Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Amsterdam.

Calling hours are Tuesday March 27 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

In lieu of flowers, Jean and her family have requested that donations be made to St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, 37 Division St., Amsterdam or to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Mannys Corners Road, and both Amsterdam, NY 12010.

To send online condolences to the family, visit www.rileymortuaryinc.com