Jean Frances Horgan

In Loving Memory of Jean F. Horgan

September 27, 1932 – October24, 2024

Jean F. Horgan, age 92, passed away peacefully after a brief illnessat her home, in Schenectady, New York, on October 24, 2024. She was surrounded by her beloved family.

Born on September 27, 1932, in South Boston, Massachusetts, Jean was the embodiment of love, generosity and compassion, living her life devoted to family, faith and community. Her boundless energy and charitable,adventurous spirit touched everyone who knew her. A pillar of strength and an inspirational role model, Jean leaves behind an enduring legacy of love, family, selflessness and faith.

Jean shared 36 years of marriage with her beloved childhood sweetheart, Francis “Dutchie” Horgan and together they raised four children. After Dutchie’s passing, Jean continued to make her home in Schenectady, where her door was always open for a meal, a cocktail, friendship and laughter. For the past 35 years, she dedicated her life to her family, community, friends and charitable causes. Jean’s career at General Electric from 1974 to 1989, followed by her work with State Farm Insurance, reflected her commitment to hard work, discipline and excellence.

She was deeply passionate about community service, notably through her volunteer work with Bellevue Preservation and Proctors Theatre.Her dedication was recognized with induction into the Proctors Theatre Hall of Fame and the honor of 2013 Volunteer of the Year. In her retirement years, Jean stayed physically active, enjoying water aerobics at the YMCA, where she formed lasting friendships and continued swimming into her nineties. A committed Kennedy Democrat, she supported many local political campaigns and looked forward to seeing the first female U.S.President.

Jean was a devout member of Immaculate Conception Church in Schenectady. Her faith was her life’s cornerstone. She actively participated as a lector and with faith renewal groups. After Immaculate Conception’s closing, she joined St. Joseph’s Church.

Jean treasured time spent with her family and grandchildren, particularly enjoying hours on the beach and traveling the world with them. A graduate of South Boston High School, Jean valued education and learning, a passion she passed down to her family and community. Her lifelong devotion to helping others was reflected in her everyday actions, making her an extraordinary source of inspiration for all who knew her. Her infectious laugh and unmistakable Boston accent were just a few traits that endeared her to all who knew her. Raising her family in the tight-knit Bellevue section of Schenectady, Jean was loving and warm to many neighborhood kids over the years earning her several monikers, including “Auntie”, “Nanna” and “Bella Rosie”. Her wisdom was captured in sayings like, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your character.” Her humor shone through in later years, as she’d joke, “Who is that old lady looking at me in the mirror”? She handled aging with grace, dignity and enthusiasm, as she did at every stage of her life.

Jean is survived by her beloved sisters, Patricia Sances (Matthew) and Barbara Brissenden of South Boston, Massachusetts; her children,Stephen F. Horgan (Catherine) ofSandy Springs, Georgia, MaryellenHorgan-Currier (Thomas) of Norfolk, Massachusetts, Attorney Daniel J. Horgan of New London, Connecticut and Jean Christine Horgan (David) of Schenectady, New York. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kathleen Horgan Frank(Drew), Connor F. Horgan, Brendan P. Horgan, Alexander D. D’Amato, Adelaide D. Horgan, Christopher A. Currier, and Riley K. Horgan; and dozens of nieces and nephews, whom she kept in touch with via Facebook,where she was known for her loving messages like “hugs on the way, and the heart never forgets.” She waspreceded in death by her devoted husband, Francis I. Horgan; her parents, Francis P. and Ethel Silvey (Oram); and her sister, Mary Beatty (Silvey); and her favorite cousin, Fred (Bubby) Long.

A Celebration Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston,Massachusetts, on Saturday, December14, at 10 AM, with a Reception to follow. Jean will be interred with her husband at the Massachusetts NationalCemetery in Bourne on Cape Cod in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers and honoring her lifelong dedication to providing access to quality education for all, contributions may be made in memory of Jean to Notre Dame- Bishop Gibbons, Horgan Family Scholarship Fund, 2600 Albany Street, Schenectady, New York 12304. 

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hGmb442Tb or text 518-868-6191.

Jean leaves a legacy of love, compassion and strength that will live on in the hearts and memories of all who were fortunate to know her.

Kindly remember her with a random act of kindness or a toast on the beach. She was, and will always be, the cherished matriarch of the HorganFamily. Her light will forever be a bright ember in our hearts.

Rest in Peace, Sweet Jean.I