Jennifer Lee Wesner, age 80 of Knox, passed away peacefully, early Sunday morning, August 17, 2014 at Serenity House in Shippenville.
Born February 2, 1934, in Nickleville, she was a daughter of the late William and Flora Belle Mays Alden.
Jennifer was a lifelong resident of Knox and a member of the Knox United Methodist Church. She was active in various civic groups and organizations including, Civic Club, PTA, March of Dimes and the Knox Horsethief Committee and was a past den mother, scout leader and Pennsylvania State Constable.
She was best known for her political roles and aspirations and was considered a local celebrity.
Jennifer gained national attention as the first “lady mayor” of Pennsylvania and also appeared on national television on “To Tell the Truth” and “What’s My Line”. Her interest in acting was demonstrated as a cast member of The Silver Fox Playhouse in Foxburg.
She was best described as, mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, civil servant, women’s rights advocate and author/writer.
Jennifer married George E. Shaw on September 23, 2004 and he preceded her in death on April 13, 2012.
She leaves behind her children: Vince Wesner and his wife, Hanh, of Rochester, New York; Pat Rex of Shippenville and John Wesner of Mount Dora, Florida; four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren: John Alden Wesner and his wife, Jennifer and their children: Christian, Madison and Julia; Vanessa Wesner Kelly and her husband, Michael and their children: Austin and Alayna; Mitchell Rex and his wife, Leigh Ann and their children, Elijah and Sarah and Michelle Rex Gibson and her husband, Matt and their children, Olivia and Cameron.
Jennifer is also survived by two sisters and two brothers: Louise Alden Franklin of Shippenville and her daughter, Debbie Flynt; Mary Miller of Knox; Ralph Alden of New Bethlehem and Harry Alden of New York, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters: Rose Alden Metts, Evelyn Alden Alosio and Lu Alden Bashline and two brothers: Archie Alden and Sylvester Alden.
Family and friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August, 21, 2014 and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, August 22, 2014 at the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc., 430 Mendenhall Avenue, Knox.
Because of Jennifer’s devotion to the Knox Horsethief Days, there will be no calling hours on Saturday, the festival’s grand finale.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 24, 2014 in the Knox United Methodist Church, Railroad Street, Knox with the church pastor, Reverend David Coul, officiating over the service.
Interment will take place in the Knox Union Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given in the name of Jennifer Wesner Shaw to the Knox Horsethief Days, P.O. Box 824, Knox, PA 16232 or the Knox United Methodist Church Building Fund, 628 Railroad Street, Knox, PA 16232
Online condolences may be sent to Jennifer’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com
