Carolyn Jean Dutcher

Jean was born July 5, 1939 in Lanesboro, PA. She grew up in Windsor, NY, the eldest of 12 children, and was the valedictorian of her class. She was devoted to her family, lived her faith, had a loving and generous spirit, and touched many people’s lives.

Jean married Robert “Tom” Dutcher in 1967, and they were each other’s lifelong companions and friends. They were blessed with two adopted children: Elizabeth and Thomas. Her grandchildren, Jordan, Ema, and Brenna were the lights of her life.

Jean graduated from Windsor High School in 1957 and Houghton College in 1961, and she earned her master’s in English and Spanish. Teaching was Jean’s life’s calling. Her 40-year career began in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico where she taught English at Wesleyan Academy and ended at Sidney High School, where she taught Spanish before retiring.

Jean had a lifelong passion for reading and being active in the Wesleyan Church. She also loved to travel, sing, watch murder mysteries, send cards of encouragement, and connect with people. She was the reigning champion of Scrabble and Boggle, was the official family proofreader and Spanish tutor.

Jean was predeceased by her parents Elmer and Mary LaBarre; siblings Yvonne VanLoan, Elmer Jr. LaBarre, Charlotte Frost, John LaBarre, Mary Dirig, and Pearl LaBarr; and sister-in-law Lyn LaBarre.

Left to cherish Jean’s memory are her husband of 54 years, Robert Thomas Dutcher; children Elizabeth and Thomas (Bridget) Dutcher; grandchildren Jordan Shafer, and Ema and Brenna Dutcher; siblings Beverly (Cliff) Galusha, Grace (Jim) Horton, and Frank, Charles, and Lori LaBarre. Jean also leaves behind a large extended family and many friends who will miss her dearly.

Services will be held on February 2, 2022 at the Sunshine Valley Wesleyan Church in Windsor, NY. Calling hours are from 10am–12pm followed by a celebration of life from 12–1pm. Food and refreshment will be provided directly after the service at Lester Baptist Church. The service will be streamed on Facebook for those who cannot attend.