Jean McGeoch Cutler, 81, died peacefully Monday, April 8th at the St. Andrews Presbyterian Home in Indiana PA after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
The daughter of Wallace and Mary McGeoch, she was born on February 24th 1933 in Pontiac, Michigan.
Jean graduated from Westminster College in 1955, with a BA, majoring in mathematics and minoring in Sociology.
Jean lived with a courageous spirit and a caring soul. She had three distinct seasons in her adult life. She began as a junior high math teacher in Kittanning, PA. Then, in 1960, she began raising her family of 3 children, substitute teaching, and serving in various leadership roles in the Presbyterian Church. In 1988 she boldly relocated to Louisville, KY to work at the merged Presbyterian church (PC-USA) as associate for Presbyterian Women (UPW) and their global Women’s Offering program.
During her years in Louisville, she fulfilled her passion for mission work by reviewing grants and implementing mission projects around the world. She visited hospitals in Malawi and Kenya, attended international meetings in Japan and North America, and travelled to Mexico where she drank one of the two first cups of clean water drawn through the purifying device funded by the UPW.
Jean could spot beauty in the every day. She captured joy in her painting, her gardening, and through her domestic and international travels. She loved being with her children and grandchildren and looked for any occasion to help other people.
Jean is survived by her three children; Andy Cutler (wife Tracy, Son Ben, daughter Anna) who live in Lancaster, PA, Lynne Inness (husband George, son John, daughter Lauren ) who live in Cary NC, Valerie Wilson (husband Bob, daughter Becky, Sons Sam and Joe) who live in Indiana, PA. She is also survived by sister, Esther Shane, who lives in Indiana, PA. She was preceded in death by her parents Wallace and Mary McGeoch. The family is grateful to the team at St. Andrews for their gentle and respectful care.
Friends and family will be received Saturday April 12, 2014 from 2pm to 3pm at Calvary Presbyterian Church, Indiana, PA. The memorial service will be held at 3pm with The Reverend Richard Cassel officiating. Interment will be in Fair Oaks cemetary in Lawerence County.
John Lefdahl of Indiana (www.lefdahlfuneralhome.com) is in charge of the arrangements. Please consider memorial contributions to support Alzheimers research. Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, NY 10001.
