SARATOGA SPRINGS – Jean Eschner passed away peacefully on April 21, 2024 at the age of 94. Born on November 22, 1929, in Buffalo, NY, to the late Edwin Scheuerle and Helene Siegel Scheuerle, Jean led a life dedicated to family and friends, sports, and community service. After graduating from Kensington High School in Buffalo, Jean earned a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport and a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Syracuse University in 1967. She
married Arthur Eschner on August 25, 1951, embarking on a marriage that spanned 64 years until Arthur’s passing in 2015. Jean lived in Fayetteville, DeWitt, and East Syracuse, NY, for over 60 years. Her final two years were spent at the Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs, NY, near her son Andrew.
Jean’s passion for physical education led her to a 20-year career as a part-time girl’s physical education teacher in the Jamesville-DeWitt school district. She enjoyed tennis, golf, bowling, and cross-country skiing, among many other physical pastimes. She participated for many years in the CNY Folksmarch, and competed in the New York State senior games. Jean also was an avid Bridge player, and in her later years she enjoyed games of MahJong with friends.
Jean enjoyed deep and abiding friendships, and in the summer months could often be found, glass of wine in hand, with friends on their docks on Hatch, Cazenovia, and DeRuyter Lakes. Regardless of the season, she always had coffee brewing. Jean and Art often exercised and socialized together at the local fitness club, and then rewarded themselves with a coffee or breakfast with friends. Jean loved to travel and, along with Arthur, went on many trips and cruises with dear friends to the American West, Alaska, Hawaii, and abroad, including much of Europe, Turkey, New Zealand, and
beyond.
Jean was an active member of the DeWitt Community Church (DCC), particularly the church’s Women’s Association where she was quite involved, participating in projects, working the Thrift Shop in the day, serving in the church’s Women’s Circles and as Deacon, along with her late husband. She volunteered often at the Everson Museum and the Samaritan Center, and helped to deliver Meals on Wheels with Art.
Jean is survived by her children Stephen (Rebecca Knowles) of Scotland, Thomas (Marie) of Scarborough, ME, and Andrew (Suzanne), of Gansevoort, NY, her grandchildren Adam, Emily, James, and Rachel, her great-grandchildren Eleanor, Rhys, and Phoebe, as well as beloved cousins, nephews, and nieces, and friends who will deeply miss her presence. Preceding her in death were her husband, Art, her son, Karl, who passed away as an infant, and her sister Lois Krall. Jean’s life and legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched with her spirit of fun and devotion to friends and family.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at the DeWitt Community Church on June 22 at 11:00 a.m., at which the family looks forward to greeting friends and sharing memories. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Samaritan Center of Syracuse (samcenter.org) or the DeWitt Community Church Women’s Association (www.dewittchurch.org). The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Woodlawn Commons as well as The Wesley Community in
Saratoga Springs, NY for their support over the last two years, and to her friends and visitors who sustained her spirit.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
