Obituary of Jean R. Reynolds

Jean Ruth Burdick Reynolds, 78, of Athol, passed away July 6, 2006, surrounded by her loving family, after a 14 month battle with esophageal cancer. Born on July 31, 1927 in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of Arthur DeMott and Leona Daily Burdick. The Burdick’s were early Saratoga residents and her Great Grandfather, Rev. Aaron Burdick, was the city’s first Free Methodist Minister. Jean grew up active in 4-H, Girl Scouts, and United Methodist youth groups. She was a member and president of Bemis Heights Chapter, Children of the American Revolution; a member and Queen of Saratoga Triangle #75, a supervisor and Junior Deputy of Fides Triangle #84. As a young adult, she was leader of Girl Scout Troop #16, teacher, organist and Sunday School Superintendent of the United Methodist Church which she attended from infancy. She was also a 58-year member of Saratoga Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; a member and officer in Saratoga Chapter #131, Order of the Eastern Star. She studied piano and acted as musician for several organizations. Jean attended Public School #7 and graduated from Saratoga High School, Class of 1945. She attended Skidmore College. She was employed as secretary of the Saratoga Girl Scout Council and served the Council as Cookie Chairman, Camping Chairman and Registrar. Jean also held workshops for leaders in various areas of scouting. Jean married Rexford C. Reynolds Jr. of Athol, on April 15, 1955. They raised five children and celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary this past spring. Jean became active in the Warrensburg United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school, led the youth choir and served as Sunday School Superintendent. Her family helped build the Christ Community Church in Athol and were Charter members. She was the first organist, playing on an antique pump organ. Jean helped to organize the Sunday schools. She was a 58-year member of the Order of Eastern Star, transferring her membership to Warrensburg Chapter #825, where she served as Worthy Matron 9 times and was appointed District Deputy Grand Matron of the Warren- Washington District in 1980. Jean loved and worked tirelessly for the Town of Thurman. She was elected Tax Collector for 2 terms and served on the Planning Board three years. She was a Den Mother 6 years, served on the Boy Scout Council, was the leader of the Hudson River Hillbillies 4-H club, organized Mother-Daughter Dinners, was President of the Sugarloaf Senior Citizens for several years and served in various offices of the John Thurman Historical Society. She was also chairman of several Old Home Days and served on the Election Board for 5 years. Jean was on the Committee of three to bring Meals on Wheels to Thurman and she and Rex co-chaired the Gleaning program for the town since its inception. She organized many fund raisers for individuals, as well as, the EMS, to which she belonged, and the Fire Company. The Election Day dinners, and the Country Christmas program were also under her auspices, she also assisted with the Christmas basket Project. Jean was a 43 year volunteer for the Cornell Extension Service, a Warrensburg Central School Homeroom Mother, and helped for many years with Kindergarten Round-up. The American Cancer Society was extremely important to Jean. She began working on the Old Fashioned Sugar Party in 1957 and later became Cancer Society Chairman for the town of Thurman. Jean could be found selling Daffodils at both Warrensburg schools to benefit ACS. She beat her first cancer in 1963 and worked continuously, “paying my dues”, she said. In honor of her years of service to the ACS, she was asked to perform the ceremonial lighting of the Relay Torch this past spring at the Relay for Life. Excerpts from her letter of encouragement to current and future cancer survivors were incorporated into the opening ceremonial speech. Mrs. Reynolds was honored at a luncheon hosted by Gov. and Mrs. Cuomo in the 1980’s after being named “Citizen of the Year.” Her hobbies ranged from camping, fishing and sugaring, to knitting, crocheting and crafts, as well as, everything in between. She had belonged to the Friends and Neighbors Group and the We Can Do Craft Club. She baked and decorated many beautiful wedding and specialty cakes, served several years as President of the Adirondack Cake and Candy Club of Glens Falls and was a member of the International Cake Exploration Society, serving one year as the New York State Delegate. She mentioned many times over the years that she could not have done any of this without the help of her husband, Rex, who always was there, quietly in the background, and her children. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by an infant brother, Allen Arthur Burdick, grandparents, Allen and Laura Burdick, Harry and Georgette Daily, and a grandson, Dr. Joseph Patrick Kelly. In addition to her husband, she is survived by five children, Arthur Reynolds and his wife, Brenda of Naples, FL, Jacklyn West and her husband David, of North Creek, twins, Heidi Reynolds and Kathleen Kelly both of Warrensburg, Rexford C. Reynolds III and his wife, Karen of Athol; 11 grandchildren, Ricky Addison, Aaron Reynolds, Emily Reynolds, Cemanda (Clarence) Roberts, Kathleen West, Paul West, Daron Bolton, Danielle (Mark) Jaloszynski, Brigid Parnes, Rexford Reynolds IV, Benjamin Reynolds and five great grandchildren, Jonathan Roberts, Kelcey Reynolds, Lynnaea Jaloszynski, Isaac Jaloszynski, Ryan Jaloszynski, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by one sister, Kathleen Johnson and her husband, Paul. Jean’s loving extended family will remember her fondly for her love and support, compassion for others as well as her zest for life. Friends may call on Jean’s family from 2-4 and 7-9 pm Saturday at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. Eastern Star services will be conducted at 7:30 pm Saturday during the visitation at the funeral home. Funeral services will be conducted 1 pm Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services at the Reynolds Cemetery, Thurman. Pallbearers will be her sons, Arthur Reynolds and Rexford C. Reynolds III, grandsons, Aaron Reynolds, Daron Bolton, Paul West, Rexford Reynolds IV, Benjamin Reynolds and Ricky Addison. In lieu of flowers, Jean has requested remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, 959 Rt. 9, Mt. Royal Plaza, Queensbury, NY 12804, the Thurman Emergency Squad, Athol, NY 12810, or the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield MA, 01104-2396 Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.