Jean Teresa Harrington, of Fairport, formerly of Camillus, New York, passed away on January 27 with her family at her side.
Born on June 25, 1936, in Seneca Falls, Jean grew up in Greenfield, Massachusetts, with her parents, Joseph and Alice (Petruski) Hurley, and her beloved younger sister, Lucille, with whom she shared a lifelong bond. She trained as a nurse at Springfield Hospital in Massachusetts and went on to work for many years at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse through the Research Foundation for SUNY, where she was known for her skill and deep dedication to her patients.
Jean met her husband, Howard “Bud” Harrington, in 1968, soon after moving to Syracuse. She was welcomed by his large, close-knit family. Together, Jean and Bud built a life filled with love, raising their twin children. When Bud was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Jean cared for him at home for 25 years with unwavering devotion.
Above all else, Jean was warm and nurturing, with a quiet strength and an independent spirit. She had a quick wit that endeared her to those who knew her. Though hesitant to leave her comfortable home in the Syracuse area, she quickly came to love her apartment at the Woodlands in Fairport, where she made many dear friends. Her family is incredibly grateful for the care her aides provided and for the kindness and compassion she received in her last hours from the ICU staff at Highland Hospital.
Jean was predeceased by her husband. She is survived by her son Howard Harrington (Pamela), her daughter Alice (Paul) Wilson, her grandchildren, Mary Harrington and Henry Wilson, her sister Lucille Wisniowski (Peter), and many beloved sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling Hours will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Church of the Assumption in Fairport on February 4 at 10:00 am. The Mass will also be livestreamed at https://assumptionresurrection.org/. Burial will take place the following day at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Syracuse.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to House of Mercy.
5 responses to “Harrington, Jean Teresa”
I got to know Jean through Holy Family in Fairmount and we were both member of PIO at Holy Family. She was a lovely lady whose friendship I enjoyed. I also knew Buddy who was also a great person.
Rest in peace my friend.???
The Central New York Syracuse Nurses Honor Guard Coalition wishes to acknowledge the nursing career of Nurse Jean Harrington. We honor Jean for the difference that she made in the lives of so many patients and colleagues. Our sincere condolences to you, her family. May the love of family and friends give you comfort. May the love of God give you peace.
Sincerely, CNY SYR Nurses Honor Guard
No Nurse is Forgotten
R.I .P Jean
When I said good night last Tuesday I had no idea it was for the eternity ..I will miss you smile and kindness ., your sense of humor, we had quite a few laughs together ! Now rest easy Jean !
Alice and Howie, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a kind and caring person who gave me my first babysitting job. I will always remember her taking the time to talk to me before she left for work. She left great homemade snacks for you when you came home from school and taught me how to have peanut butter on banana bread! You’re mom had a great sense of humor and was a great neighbor. My condolences to you and your families.
I read with sadness the passing of Jean. I worked with Jean for 10+ years at Upstate. She was the most patient and kindest nurse and co-worker I’ve ever known. I was fortunate to have worked with her. My condolences to all your family.