Obituary of Jean VanderVliet

Jean H. VanderVliet, 76, of Hector, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2015 at Schuyler Hospital. She was born on July 1, 1938 in Patterson, New Jersey, the daughter of the late Halstead and Evanna (Winans) Hopkins. Jean graduated from Boonton High School in New Jersey, received her Bachelor's degree from Montclair State University and later received her Master's degree from Elmira State College. Jean was a lifelong educator. She taught in the Odessa-Montour Schools, Watkins Glen Middle School and Immaculate Conception School in Ithaca. She was a committed member and organist at the Odessa Wesleyan Church. She was a member of Gideons Auxiliary, the NYS Retired Teachers Association, a volunteer at the Hector Library, a volunteer with Cooperative Extension and 4-H Leader. Jean enjoyed playing the piano, and photography. She also enjoyed traveling, enjoying numerous trips around the country and to Europe visiting her daughters; once taking a missionary trip to the Czech Republic. Jean is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Roger; daughters, Laura Jean VanderVliet of Aiken, SC, and Nancy (Henry) Lombart of Merrimac, MA; sister-in-law, Denise Hopkins of Cincinnatus, NY; and two grandchildren, Philippe and Emilie Lombart. Jean was predeceased by a daughter, Kathleen VanderVliet in 2013, and her brother, Hal Hopkins in 2014. Relatives and friends are invited to call and view a display of her photography on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 from 12-1 pm at the Odessa Wesleyan Church, 304 Church St. Odessa. A service will follow at 1:00pm. Burial will be in the spring at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Odessa. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Odessa Wesleyan Church. To leave the family a message of condolence, sign a guestbook, or to light a "Candle of Remembrance", please visit www.vedderandscottfuneralhome.com