Jean Groce Jones

Jean G. Jones, a longtime resident of Upstate New York—before later making her home in Mechanicsville, Virginia—passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mildred (Sollinger) Groce; her sisters, Roberta Doddato and Louise Dann; her infant brother, Carl; and her spouses, Lawrence Marshall, Dr. Donald W. Jones, and John "Jack" Dobson III.

Jean graduated from Addison High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY College at Brockport. She dedicated her professional life to education, serving many years as an elementary school art teacher with the North Rose–Wolcott Central School District. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Administration from Nazareth College. Jean was a member of the North Rose Methodist Church in North Rose, NY, and later in life the Pultneyville Methodist Church in Pultneyville, NY.

Jean was a member of the Wayne County Retired Teacher’s Association, the Red Hat Society, and served as a docent at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY.

Jean’s interests and passions were wide-ranging and lifelong. She was a devoted fan of PBS, an avid reader, and someone who loved to sing and dance. She appreciated all forms of art and was an accomplished painter herself. Jean enjoyed playing bridge, traveling the world, gardening, boating, knitting, and working on crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She found joy in nature—especially flowers, birds, and animals. One of her favorite pastimes was simply sitting in the sun, whether in a garden, on a beach, or in a quiet backyard.

She is survived by her three daughters: Susan Wicks Baldauf (David), Debora Wadsworth (Charles), and Lauren Marshall; beloved grandchildren Erin Papenfuse (Tim), Katlyn Stutts (Judson), Zachary Wadsworth, Theodore Wicks (Jen), Michael Wicks, and Jeffrey Wicks (Ludia); cherished great-grandchildren Lane, Tessa, Emily, Aiden, Charlie, Wyatt, Madison, and Hope, who brought her great pride and joy. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Stacconi; her brother-in-law, Glenn Marshall (Sylvia); as well as several nieces and nephews.

Jean will be remembered for her creativity, curiosity, strength, warmth, sense of humor, smile, and the vibrant spirit she shared with all who knew her.

Interment will take place in the spring of 2026 in Newark, NY.