Jean M. Spence

Jean M. Spence, 81, passed away on July 2, 2025, at the Titusville Area Hospital after dealing with numerous recent health issues.

A lifelong resident of Titusville, Jean was born on April 28, 1944 to the late C. Reginald and Katherine McDonnell. She graduated from Titusville High School in 1962, being chosen as the Homecoming Queen the autumn before. Jean was one of the original employees hired at the University of Pittsburgh - Titusville, working there as the registrar for 46 years until she retired in 2009.

Jean served the community in many different ways. She served on the Titusville Area School District school board for 24 years, being an advocate for the students and staff, and also was a board member for the Titusville Alumni Association. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church Titusville for 68 years, where she served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and filled numerous other roles. She also loved the people and ministry of the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church, where she and her husband Ken attended for many years, and made the best communion bread for both congregations. Additionally, Jean served on the board of Associated Charities for 24+ years and volunteered many hours in that ministry over the same time frame.

Jean loved her family, was an excellent cook and baker, treasured her relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, enjoyed going to her Bible study, was often found birdwatching, and was fond of dining out whenever possible.

Jean's family extends special thanks to the compassionate and caring medical staff at the Titusville Area Hospital, VNA Alliance home health care, and EmergyCare Titusville ambulance service, and numerous neighbors and friends for their meals, visits and prayers.

Jean is survived by her husband of over 59 years, Ken Spence; sister, Joyce McCormick of Sewickley, PA; sons Kevin (Donna) of Fridley, MN and Kurt (Stephanie) of Erie; grandchildren Nathan (Anna) of Colorado Springs, CO, Caleb (Calyn) of Ozark, MO, Rachel of Soldotna, AK, Samuel and Maxim of Erie; and 4 great-grandchildren - Theodore, Ella, Keziah and one more due in September.

Jean was preceded in death by her sisters, Judith Maseman and Jane Mellon, and her parents. She loved, was loved and will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Titusville Alumni Association to fund a scholarship in her name.

The family will receive friends from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, at Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home, 303 N. Washington St. in Titusville. A funeral service will be conducted on Monday, July 7th, beginning at 10 AM, with Kevin Spence officiating.
   
Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Pleasantville.
 

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