Jean B. Phenicie

Helen Jean (Brown) Phenicie, 93, formerly of Grand Parkway, Lewistown, died May 15, 2021 at Valley View Retirement Community, Belleville. Born November 5, 1927, Jean was the daughter of the late Irvin N. and Florence M. (Zook) Brown of Martinsburg. She was also preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years, Frederick E. Phenicie, to whom she was married until his passing May 1, 2010.

Surviving are her two sons, Gregory B. Phenicie and wife, Patti, of Harrisburg, and Mark E. Phenicie and wife, Kelly, of Camp Hill; and a brother, H. Zane Brown, of Lancaster. Jean leaves four grandchildren: Carolyn B. Phenicie of Washington, D.C., Alison F. Phenicie of Largo, Fla., Margaret K. Phenicie of Baltimore, Md., and Benjamin F. Phenicie and wife, Kathryn, of Harrisonburg, Va. Also surviving are her first great-grandchild, Harrison Phenicie, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Amy Jo, and three grandchildren, Andrew Mark, Cory, and Daniel.  

Jean was a 1945 graduate of Martinsburg High School and a 1949 graduate of Juniata College. She worked as a social worker for the Department of Public Assistance and as a clerk typist at Letterkenney Depot. After raising her sons, she spent most of her career as a kindergarten teacher at Seventh Ward Elementary in Lewistown, retiring in 1990.

Jean was a devout Christian throughout her life and loved the Lord. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing board games, listening to music, reading, attending auctions, collecting antiques, sending letters and cards, and being with animals - especially dogs!

She served as a volunteer at Ohesson Manor, and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Mifflin County Association of School Retirees, Delta Kappa Gamma, Order of the Eastern Star, American Association of University Women, and Mifflin County Historical Society.

A receiving of friends and family will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Home, 200 N. Main Street, Lewistown, with a memorial service to follow at 2 P.m., with the Rev. Nelson Roth officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Rock Cemetery, Lewistown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Valley View Retirement Community, 4702 E. Main Street, Belleville, PA 17004, or Trinity United Methodist Church, 428 S. Main Street, Lewistown, PA 17044.

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