Jean L. Curtis

Jean L. Curtis of Oxford, NY, went peacefully home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 14, 2026. The daughter of Edward H. and Grace (Schaeffer) Rosekrans, was born May 21, 1949, in Allentown, PA. Jean grew up in New Lebanon, NY where she graduated from New Lebanon Central High School in the class of 1967. She then attended SUNY Cobleskill and completed her master's in education at SUNY Cortland. It was at SUNY Cobleskill where she met the love of her life, John M. Curtis, and later united in marriage on October 7, 1972. Jean is predeceased by both her parents and John, her beloved husband of 43 years. Their marriage was a testament to the power of faith, hope, and love. They were blessed with three surviving children; Kristi and Matthew Downey; Michael and Tracy (Armstrong) and Alison Curtis and Jeff Buckley; and further blessed with 7 grandchildren; Calghen, Rylee, Vera, Kenzie, Devon, Mason and Ella. Jean is also survived by two sisters, Norma and Bill Wadsworth and Margaret and Carl Heise, as well as many loved and adored nieces and nephews.

Jean led a life guided by God’s love, compassion and service to others. Jean worked, lovingly caring for her children at home until they all reached school age. It was then that she resumed her career in teaching, dedicating 23 years to Oxford Academy and Central Schools. A majority of those years were spent in 4th grade teaching all subjects, including New York State History, to the students. She completed her career in the 6th grade, teaching English. Her ability to make learning meaningful and fun has inspired many students and made a lasting impact in their hearts. Outside the classroom she was devoted to family life, as a wife and mother; a consistent, faithful presence; never missing an athletic or special event, near or far, through high school and beyond; craftily creating hand stitched Halloween costumes, Christmas ornaments and custom birthday cakes. Her love of family only grew with the addition of several grandchildren, whom she shared many joyous, precious memories, holiday traditions and bowls of ice cream. Jean also appreciated the beauty of creation; this was reflected in time spent curating her backyard flower beds and welcoming the birds that would flock to her feeders. Beyond her home and community, Jean enjoyed traveling with John and her family to the beaches of the eastern shoreline from Ocean City, MD to Sanibel Island, FL, as well as various trips to the waters and mountains of Europe with her mother, sisters and sister-in-law, Charleen Sastri. A longtime member of Oxford United Methodist Church, Jean taught Sunday school, engaged in community outreach and enjoyed volunteering her time to various community causes, including the Oxford Soup Kitchen, Common Cents, the clothes closet and Meals on Wheels. Her commitment to serve and love of teaching also led her on a mission to Hope School in the Holy Land, when she spent three months leading faith-based education to children in need. Jean will forever be remembered for her deep love and devotion to her faith and family.

Friends and family are welcome to call at the Foundation Church of Oxford, 36 South Washington Ave, Oxford, NY 13830, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 11:00AM-12:00PM. Funeral services officiated by Pastor Richard Howard will be held at 12:00PM, a burial and committal service will follow immediately at the St. Joseph's Cemetery, Oxford, NY. All are welcome to join the family in celebrating Jean's life at the Oxford American Legion Post #376 following the burial at 1:30PM. Memorial contributions may be sent to: St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen, PO Box 72, Oxford, NY 13830, honoring Jean’s commitment to the community.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Behe Funeral Home Inc., 21 Main St. Oxford, NY 13830. Friends and family may share memories and condolences by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.