Jean Elizabeth Farr, 85, of Potsdam

POTSDAM, New York (WWNY) - Jean Elizabeth Farr, 85, peacefully passed away with family by her side, on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton. Jean was born on June 28, 1938 in Potsdam, daughter of the late Robert and Rose (Snyder) Hanson.

She married Edwin F. Farr in October of 1961, and they went on to have 4 children: Marsha (Brad) Clements of Potsdam; Rebecca Farr (John Reed) of Parishville; Aaron Farr of Oklahoma; and Holly (Kenneth) Thompson of Oklahoma.

Jean’s primary role was as a loving wife and mother. Being an avid seamstress, she decided to share her love of needle and thread and opened Jean’s Fabrics in Parishville, which she owned and operated for several years. As her children grew older, she worked for St. Lawrence County as a housemother at the girl’s home in Potsdam, making a positive impact on the lives of the girls in her care. She was also an aide in the Special Education classrooms for the Potsdam School District. In her younger years, Jean worked as a home health aide, and as a nurse’s aide at Potsdam Hospital. She was also a volunteer driver for St. Lawrence County.

She was a member of the Parishville Methodist church, a member of the Parishville Quilting Club, a member of Gamma Pi ESA (a Ladies Philanthropic Organization), and a member of the Center Riding Club. She enjoyed spending time with family, sewing, crafting, reading, and going for Sunday afternoon rides. She loved baking, especially bread and donuts. She was passionate about rescuing animals, especially dogs, cats and horses, and she loved feeding the wild birds.

She is survived by her four children and eight grandchildren: Chris Patenaude; Rachael, Rhiannon, Robert, Richard and Rebecca Clements; and Sierra and Natalie Thompson; her sister-cousin Jeanette McGowan of Potsdam; niece Norlene (Fred) Slater of Binghamton; nephew Everett (Judy) Hampton of Massena, and many other nieces and nephews.

Jean was predeceased by her parents Robert and Rose; her husband Edwin, and twelve siblings.

A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at the Potsdam United Methodist Church, there will be no calling hours. A private family burial will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Parishville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to the Potsdam Humane Society.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home where friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences online at www.donaldsonseymour.com.