Obituary

Jeanne Ruth Wolcott

July 15, 1951 – June 22, 2026

Jeanne Ruth Wolcott, age 74, of New Hartford, New York, passed away at home peacefully on June 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 15, 1951, in Brockport, New York, Jeanne lived her life as a dedicated educator, a passionate artist, and a beautiful force of constant motion.

While those who knew her in high school might remember a quiet, reserved girl, she spent the rest of her life blossoming into a woman known above all for her loquacious energy, her open heart, and a kinetic spirit that could fill any room. Jeanne simply loved the “doing” of life, and she brought an unquenchable enthusiasm and curiosity to every experience.

Jeanne’s vibrant life was beautifully anchored by two great loves: children and origami. She naturally had a connection with all children, but most especially with her grandchildren, serving as an important guide and creative inspiration in their lives. Jeanne will forever shine bright as Nana for her granddaughters. As a Kindergarten and First-Grade teacher, she didn’t just manage a classroom; she infused it with music and magic. She frequently played the piano for her students, fiercely defended the importance of play in a child's day, and treasured the lifelong friendships she made with her teaching colleagues. In her hands, origami was a dynamic art of transformation and delight. She taught folding classes to all ages, crafted whimsical animal mobiles, and once faithfully folded 1,000 origami cranes as a dedicated wish for world peace.

Jeanne had a natural gift for nurturing growth, filling her own home—and the homes of others—with thriving plants. Through The Clinton Garden Club, she found a wonderful community of kind and creative people who shared her passion, where she thoroughly enjoyed exploring gardening arts and participating in civic-minded projects. An avid reader and a collector of children’s books, she was also an expressive, inventive writer. Jeanne frequently penned personal poems for family and friends and journaled her deep philosophical explorations. She was also a devoted lover of nature and could be counted on to faithfully tend to the winter birds daily during the coldest months.

Jeanne loved an adventure. Whether she was riding her bike around Rochester, playing pickleball, camping in the Adirondacks, walking East Coast beaches, driving across the United States, traveling in Europe, cross country skiing in Alleghany, or sailing Lake Ontario, she was always moving forward. She loved games of all kinds and was famous for her annual summer volleyball parties, her legendary, competitive Euchre tournament nights in Brockport, and endless hours of Skip-Bo, Rummikub, Rummy 500, Bridge, Yahtzee and jigsaw puzzles.

Music and celebration were central to Jeanne’s spirit. She loved live music of all kinds and was known for her spontaneous dance parties. She carried on a treasured family tradition, playing holiday music from a Christmas piano book passed down from her grandmother, DeEtta. Jeanne loved a party and gathering people together. She marked every season with thoughtful decorations, transforming her home into a festive and beautiful haven, especially at Christmastime. Whether she was dreaming up wonderful ideas for unique gifts, lively party games, or vibrant decor, Jeanne was passionate about making the world a more beautiful place. Because of her enthusiasm for life and her joyful celebration of both the big and the small, she was always ready to declare it “a banner day.”

Jeanne is survived by her children, Kelly Smith (Brad) and Corinne (Stefan Lisowski); her beloved grandchildren, Kailyn, Skylar, Kitty, and Hazel; her partner, Dave King; and her brother, Craig Ohlinger (Karen). She was preceded in death by her parents, William Ohlinger and Anna Collins Ohlinger, and her brother, Keith Ohlinger.

A Celebration of Life will be held on her birthday, July 15, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Keyes Brook Farm, 3129 State Route 12B in Deansboro, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Clinton Garden Club at the same address.

Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

For online expressions of sympathy, please go to fwefh.com.