Jeanne Kuncelman Switzler

Jeanne was born September 23, 1936 in Colver, PA to Olin J and Edith H Kuncelman. She was preceded in death by sister Bette Lu Kuncelman Sheeley and her parents, first husband James J Pierre and second husband Fred (Alfred) Switzler. She is survived by children Lisa Pierre Nichols (Bruce) of Columbia, MD, Brian Pierre (Christa) of Round Rock, TX, Lori Pierre Hopkins (Rob) of Baltimore, MD, Jon Paul Pierre (Mary Jane) of Lockhart, TX. and stepchildren Bev Ricketts, Barb Kimball and Carol Startare. She is also survived by siblings Irene Kuncelman, Altoona, PA and James Kuncelman, Colver, PA.

She leaves grandchildren James, Andrea and Natalie Nichols; Justin and Hannah Pierre, Sydney and Parker Hopkins and step grandchildren Josh Ricketts, Lauren Hathaway, Stephanie Whitehouse and Renee Kimball as well as 7 greatgrandchildren.

After graduating from Ebensburg Cambia High School in 1954, Jeanne moved to Philadelphia where she worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad for a time then moved back to Colver. She was working at L. Robert Kimball Engineering doing mathematic computations for the Highways Department when she met, then married the first love of her life, James Pierre in 1961. Jeanne and Jim had four children and enjoyed pinochle, skiing and raising the children. Then in 1982 Jim passed away.

A few years later Jeanne married Fred (Alfred) Switzler, the second love of her life. Jeanne and Fred enjoyed cards, boating and skiing. They moved to Marquette MI after Fred’s retirement to find more snow for cross country skiing! They enjoyed hiking and bicycling as well. They moved to Catonsville to be closer to family in 2021. Fred and Jeanne enjoyed 36 years of married life until Fred’s death in 2022.

Jeanne’s children and grandchildren were the light of her life. As an avid knitter, Jeanne designed and knitted sweaters for family members. She also enjoyed sewing and mowing grass. She was a hula-hoop queen at Brightview where she was also a past winner of the Fruitcake toss! The employees of Brightview say Jeanne always had a smile for everyone up to her last days. She had friends everywhere she worked, lived or played.

She was a faithful member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Ebensburg, PA, St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette, MI and St Mark Church, Catonsville, MD.

Jeanne’s family wishes to express deep gratitude to the staff of Wellspring Village at Brightview, Rolling Hills, in Catonsville and the Gilchrist hospice staff for caring for Jeanne so wonderfully.

Memorial services will be held at a future date at St. Mark in Catonsville at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society or the charity of your choice or the Noquemanon Trail Network, PO Box 746, Marquette, MI 49855 (906-235-6861) .