Obituary of Jean S. Ahart

Jean Strong Ahart, age 77, one-of-a-kind and loved beyond measure, slipped away from this earth on Sunday, June 10, 2018.  Jean will always be remembered for her distinctive laugh, which got lots of use, for her generous heart, for her love of life, for her get ‘er done attitude,  and her unending love for her family and friends. In her almost 10 year fight with late stage ovarian cancer, Jean was committed to being as physically strong as she could be and her friends from her daily trips to the gym can attest to both her commitment and her sense of fun when she was there. She had a surprising spirit of competition, and loved participating in the Tioga County Fitness Challenge several years back. Jean was a teacher for 29 years and loved being able to make a difference in the lives of her students every day, as well as the life time of relationships she fostered with her teaching colleagues. She was known for her love of gardening, nature, and the outdoors in general, with much of her knowledge being passed on to her from her own grandmother, Clara Strong.  Jean was a genetic pack rat, and we will be awhile weeding through her accumulations of important things, including groceries. Hopefully we will not be struck by Jean’s lightning when we make any comments while cleaning out! She was a bargain shopper for groceries and could find unbelievable deals, a skill which she thankfully channeled mostly into donations to both the Candor Food Pantry and to the Open Hearts dinner at the Methodist church. Jean was known by all for her incredible strength of spirit, for her sense of humor, and for her zest for life. She was an absolute warrior in every sense of the word.  Jean is survived by her husband of almost 59 years, Alan, who was also her devoted caregiver through every step of her cancer journey.  She is also survived by her daughter, Denise Ahart and her son, David (Lynette Loper) Ahart; her sister, Nancy Ward.  Additionally, her beloved granddaughters, Katie and Rachel Ahart survive her. Jean loved her family beyond measure and was their biggest cheerleader in the game of life. Jean will also be remembered for her unending gratitude for the seemingly simple things of life and her appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation. She has left a legacy for her family and friends to remember to celebrate the joy that exists everywhere if you choose to look for it. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 16th at noon at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 137 Main St., Candor, NY. Contributions in Jean’s honor may be made to the Candor Emergency Squad, 58 Main Street, Candor, NY 13743.