Maida Jean Mowry, 85, of McGraw, NY, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at the Cortland Regional Nursing Facility, Cortland, NY.

Born in St. Paul, NE, of May 28, 1931, Jean was the daughter of the late Hilton and Lena Suponchick Petersen.  Prior to her retirement, she was employed at Smith-Corona and also worked part-time at McGraw Box.  She would spend her spare time at the McGraw Elementary School where she was involved with an after school reading program.  She was also a member of the Pen Pal Club of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

She is survived by her children, Shirley (Doug) Burnham of Cortland, George (Lori) Mowry of Cortland, Rick Mowry of Ithaca, Louis (Barb King) Mowry of Summerfield, FL, and Michael (Mitzi) Mowry of McGraw.  She also leaves behind a sister, Bonnie Coon of Baldwinsville; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by three brothers and three sisters.

A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held at the McGraw Sr. Center, McGraw, NY, on Sunday, March 19, 2017, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jean may be directed to the McGraw High School, 10 W. Academy St., McGraw, NY 13101.