Jenell Jones, Fairport, passed away October 6, 2019. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, David, their children, Gregary Jones, Elizabeth Lachance, Terri Beckenbach, their grandchildren, Benjamin Jones, Zachary Jones, David Lachance, Matthew Lachance, Jeffrey Beckenbach, Ian Beckenbach, Sam Beckenbach, four great grandchildren, and sisters Shirlee Clark, Karen Oliver.
Jenell was born in Gothenburg, Nebraska in September of 1936. One of four children, she was named for her grandmothers Jenny and Nelly. Having lost her own mother to cancer as a young girl, Jenell spent many happy hours at her grandmother’s house listening to stories about life in Sweden and sharing home-cooked meals. She loved to sing in her high school and church choirs. As she grew older, she would often be heard signing at the top of her lungs to music from her extensive music collection.
Jenell met David as a freshman in high school and they became lifelong partners after marrying in 1956. They eventually settled in Rochester in the early 1960’s. Although they lived far from their hometown in Nebraska, Jenell cherished family and friends making regular visits to see relatives scattered across the country or to attend high school reunions.
First and foremost Jenell was the center of the family making sure her children and grandchildren knew how much they were loved. She orchestrated holiday gatherings, attended school functions, athletics competitions, music performances, and dance recitals. Her home was the favorite sleepover location for her grandchildren. She loved a house filled with energetic little boys who kept her laughing. Her warm and giving nature was always present.
As a young woman, Jenell worked for the telephone company as an operator. Having her own children, Jenell devoted her time to family as a homemaker. When her children were in college, she started a new career as a sales associate at Sibley’s. She enjoyed talking with customers, socializing with sales colleagues, and seeing new items enter the store. After retiring, she continued to enjoy lunch and shopping with her daughters.
Never one to miss an adventure, Jenell could be seen on the slopes skiing with her children and grandchildren. Her favorite camping locations were Lake Eaton in the Adirondack Mountains and along the beach on Assateague Island, Maryland. Even in her eighties, Jenell met friends for coffee and participated in exercise classes at the Y.
Jenell lived, loved and made a lasting impression on all who knew her.
A memorial to celebrate Jenell’s life will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (EGYPT LOCATION), 7501 Pittsford – Palmyra Road (Route 31), Fairport. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the St. Joseph’s Indian School, Chamberlain, S. Dakota.
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One response to “Jones, Jenell”
I always enjoyed Jenell and Dave’s presence in my yoga class at the Pittsford Y. They were enthusiastic and fun, contributing in many ways simply by being there. I’m grateful our paths crossed.