Mary Jean Sartoris Kea was born February 8, 1930, in Rutland, Vermont and passed away on December 23, 2014, in Seminole, FL. She was predeceased by her first husband of 28 years, J.Bernard Sartoris and is survived by her husband of 33 years, Kirk I. Kea.
Mary Jean grew up in Whitehall, NY, and attended local schools. She graduated from St. Peter’s Hospital School of Nursing in Albany, NY, with a RN degree. Prior to her retirement, she had a career as a surgical nurse in Schenectady, NY, for many years.
Mary Jean is also survived by her daughters, Mary Beth Abarbanel (Bob) of Vancouver, BC, Sue Best (Tom) of St. Petersburg, FL, and Maureen Kline of Burnt Hills, NY; stepson Kevin Kea (Aimee) of Scotia, NY; stepdaughter Michelle Petrie of Schenectady, NY; 5 granddaughters; 5 grandsons; one great-grandson; and sisters Joan Thull (George) of Woodstock, GA, and Doreen Kana (Chuck) of Rexford, NY. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday morning, Dec 27th, at 11 AM in the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church,11565 66th Avenue North, Seminole, FL. A memorial service in upstate NY will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated in the name of Mary Jean Cooke Sartoris Kea for the renovation of the chapel at Huletts Landing, Lake George, NY at Mission Chapel of the Assumption, c/o Our Lady of Hope, 9 Wheeler Ave, Whitehall, NY 12887. Expressions of sympathy may be made below.
Meeting Mary Jean was a pleasant uplifting experience, it was obvious, even thoiugh in a nursing home, she was looking after her husband with an abundance of care and affection. Knowing Mary Beth and meeting Susan makes clear the contribution she made to the world with her caring and upbeat manner. Comfort and hugs to friends and family during this time of loss.
Aunt Mary Jean was our most “with it” aunt when my sibs and I were growing up in Schenectady, NY. We saw her regularly during visits at her home and other realitves’, during sleep-overs with our cousins and sometimes at her medical office where we waited for a ride home with our mother–Aunt Mary Jean’s co-worker. I keenly remember the special spark that made Aunt Mary Jean unique to all in our family and I am sure that is what other people will miss about her, too…Prayers and love to my cousins–wish I could attend your mother’s funeral.
Hello Maureen,
Please accept our condolences. We wish we could be with you. We’re so sorry for your loss.
You’re in our thoughts. I hope it lighten your burden to know we’re here for you.
Love, Pam & Bruce
My love and prayers are with you all. I am sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great person, and I am sure she will be missed. My thoughts are with you.
Aunt Lorraine
It was with great sorrow that I read of the passing of my good friend “Cookie”. My condolences to all the family members. I first met “Cookie” as a nursing student at St.Peter’s Hospital. After graduation your Mom started working at St.Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady, NY. We became even better friends then, and shared many good times together. As young married couples we shared many social events. Looking back I remember your mother as always having a welcoming happy attitude toward everyone she met. Your Mom, and the memory of the good times we had together will be missed by all of us.
Susan, Maureen, Mary Beth and Shelley – I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. She was a great lady! I have many fond memories of her and all of you. Please know we are thinking of you all with love. Take care and all of our best! – Dan and Jean (Cooley) Russell
Maureen,
My condolence for your loss. You may recall that I knew her when she worked for Dr. Cooley.
Tom