Jean Wolfe

Jean was born on Nov. 16, 1942, in Jamestown, NY, to the late Rev. F. Eugene and Marie (Paulsen) Donelson. Living most of her life in Youngsville, Jean graduated from Youngsville High School in 1960 and earned her Registered Nurse diploma through the WCA Hospital School of Nursing in Jamestown, NY. After graduating in 1963, she continued her career at WCA Hospital until 1969. After a few years of focusing on her family, she returned to her nursing career by working part-time for the Youngsville Medical Associates/Center until she retired 35-plus years later.

Jean’s love for music began at an early age, and she excelled in piano for many years at the Warren Music Conservatory. Not only were her musical talents focused on piano, but singing as well. While in high school, she was a member of a singing trio that traveled the region performing. Her musical talent and love for the Lord led her to over 50 years of service at the EUM Church in Youngsville. Jean shared her musical talent, whether as the pianist, organist, or choir director, with the congregation of the EUM Church and the community. She enjoyed sharing her love for music, whether for a church service, wedding, funeral or to bring happiness to those at the Rouse Estate or Warren State Hospital.

Although her love for music was a significant part of who Jean was, so was her passion for the youth of the church. For decades, she spread the love of God by being a leader, mentor, teacher, and bonus mom for them. Jean not only taught youth how to love the Lord but led by example. The weekly breakfasts before school at church, annual retreats to Findley Lake, day trips to Presque Isle, parent-teen and graduation dinners, church lock-ins, and, of course, the spontaneous parties at Jean’s house were not only to engage the youth of the church but welcome new youth members from the community. Jean always offered a warm, welcoming hand and endless support and love to anyone in need. The love she had for them, and they had for her, was evident in her strong relationships with many of them as they became adults.

Jean is survived by her husband, Winston Wolfe, of 57 years, whom she married on July 1, 1967, and their daughter, Julie (Eckstrom), and husband, Stacey Cratty, of Youngsville. Her grandchildren, Mailee and Peer Eckstrom of Youngsville and step-grandchildren, Nicole (Eckstrom) Kenyon of Billings, MT and Erica Eckstrom of Warren, OH and her sister, Dianne Donelson of West Seneca, NY.

In addition to her parents, preceding Jean in death was her niece, Melissa (Crist) Stover, and sister-in-law, Bonnie (Wolfe) Clark.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at New Life Church,18 Second St., Youngsville, PA, from 6-8 p.m. and also on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 12-1 p.m. at which time a funeral service will be held there with the Rev. Paul Dunham, officiating. Private burial to follow.

Memorial donations may be made to New Life Church, 18 Second St., Youngsville, PA,16371, or to Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave., Warren, PA 16365.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Youngsville, have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at nelsonfuneralhome.net.