Obituary of Jean Louise Harshaw

Lover of children, books, theology, music and the church as a global community, Jean Harshaw died in her home surrounded by her church family and friends. She was 80. Jean was a Baldwinsville resident for 43 years. Raised in Chenango Forks, she was the daughter of John and Gertrude (Hoeppner) Harshaw and is survived by her brother William (Lisa), a resident of Reston, VA. A graduate of Cornell University, Jean taught elementary school for over 20 years. After retiring, she became a pension planner with American General Life Insurance Co. However, Jean never stopped teaching. She touched the lives of more than one generation of young people in the Korean Church of Syracuse and the First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville. Jean served the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse in several leadership roles. In particular, she was part of the Korean Partnership, a ministry which not only sent her to that country but enabled her to be among those who hosted visiting Korean church delegations. With Interfaith Works, Jean served on the board of Refugee Resettlement. In everything she did in and with the church she was a tireless advocate for women, children and introverts and was deeply committed to intercultural enrichment. Jean will be greatly missed by all who loved her and were loved by her. To have experienced her humor, warmth, self-deprecating wit and compassion was a privilege. A Memorial Service will be held on May 6, 2016 at 1pm in First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville, 64 Oswego Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Interfaith Works Center for New Americans, 1010 James St., Syracuse NY 13203.