Obituary for Mary Jean Purdy
Mary Jean Purdy “Jean”
02/05/1928-06/22/2020
Mary Jean (Graham) Purdy, age 92, passed away peacefully Monday, June 22nd in her home while surrounded by her loving and devoted family.
She was born in Jenkintown, PA., to David and Mary (Millheim) Graham. Jean completed her undergraduate studies at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts and later pursued a PhD in Psychology at Cornell University. While attending Cornell, Jean met her husband, William Purdy, with whom she had 6 children, including two sets of twins, within 7 years. She was employed by Discovery Toys in the 80’s and also with the Town of Clay Tax Office from 1981 until 2013 when she retired at the age of 85. Jean was an active member of the community as she participated in volunteer work with various organizations. She was an extremely motivated, selfless, active, persistent and self disciplined woman and could do anything she put her mind to. When she wasn’t busy taking care of her family, Jean enjoyed gardening, playing cards, reading, going for walks, swimming, traveling, spending time with her grandchildren and watching or attending sporting events. She also competed in the senior olympics for nearly 20 years and won several medals playing tennis, shuffleboard, swimming, badminton and table tennis.
Jean is survived by her children Linda (Rick) Ludovico, of Liverpool, William D. Purdy of Burlington, V.T., Susan Purdy of Liverpool, N.Y., Kathleen Purdy of Burlington, V.T., Timothy Purdy and wife Erin Song of Palo Alto, C.A.; and grandchildren Valorie Ludovico, Josiah Ludovico, Austin and Alexis Purdy, Corey and Duane Goodison, Ashley Arnold and several great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter Deborah Ann Purdy, her husband William C. Purdy and her brother Robert Graham.
Our family has decided to hold a “celebration of life” later this summer when Jean’s newest great-grandchild, Sonny Jean, is born so that he can be in attendance. Details for this gathering are to be determined and will be announced once solidified.
02/05/1928-06/22/2020
Mary Jean (Graham) Purdy, age 92, passed away peacefully Monday, June 22nd in her home while surrounded by her loving and devoted family.
She was born in Jenkintown, PA., to David and Mary (Millheim) Graham. Jean completed her undergraduate studies at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts and later pursued a PhD in Psychology at Cornell University. While attending Cornell, Jean met her husband, William Purdy, with whom she had 6 children, including two sets of twins, within 7 years. She was employed by Discovery Toys in the 80’s and also with the Town of Clay Tax Office from 1981 until 2013 when she retired at the age of 85. Jean was an active member of the community as she participated in volunteer work with various organizations. She was an extremely motivated, selfless, active, persistent and self disciplined woman and could do anything she put her mind to. When she wasn’t busy taking care of her family, Jean enjoyed gardening, playing cards, reading, going for walks, swimming, traveling, spending time with her grandchildren and watching or attending sporting events. She also competed in the senior olympics for nearly 20 years and won several medals playing tennis, shuffleboard, swimming, badminton and table tennis.
Jean is survived by her children Linda (Rick) Ludovico, of Liverpool, William D. Purdy of Burlington, V.T., Susan Purdy of Liverpool, N.Y., Kathleen Purdy of Burlington, V.T., Timothy Purdy and wife Erin Song of Palo Alto, C.A.; and grandchildren Valorie Ludovico, Josiah Ludovico, Austin and Alexis Purdy, Corey and Duane Goodison, Ashley Arnold and several great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter Deborah Ann Purdy, her husband William C. Purdy and her brother Robert Graham.
Our family has decided to hold a “celebration of life” later this summer when Jean’s newest great-grandchild, Sonny Jean, is born so that he can be in attendance. Details for this gathering are to be determined and will be announced once solidified.