Jean E. Stapleton, age 96, of Herkimer, passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Valley Health Service. Miss Stapleton was born on June 1, 1926, in Peekskill, daughter of the late Chester R. and Golda B. Stapleton. She graduated from Peekskill High School with the class of 1944. In 1948 she graduated from Albany State Teachers College, cum laude, with a BA degree in foreign languages and in 1952 received her MS degree from Cornell University. Further graduate study in the fields of foreign languages and travel and tourism was pursued at La Sorbonne University of Paris, France, L'Universite' Catholique del'Ouest 'aAngers (France), the University of New Hampshire, State University of New York at Albany, Lewis Hotel-Motel School, Eastern Airlines School, Eastern airlines Computer training and the Career Craft Travel Institute. Miss Stapleton taught French and Spanish at Monroe Central School in Monroe, NY and at Sherwood Central School in Sherwood before coming to Herkimer High School in 1952. In 1967 she was invited to join the original staff of Herkimer County community College where she taught French and Spanish and in 1973, designed and executed the first Travel and Tourism curriculum for the Community Colleges in New York State. A lifetime of extensive national and worldwide travel greatly enhanced her contributions to travel courses at HCCC. She was selected 'Woman of the Week" in the Mohawk Valley in 1974, was selected by Congressman Mitchell to serve on the Task Force on Tourism which resulted in the development of Leatherstocking Country NY, attained full professorship at HCCC in 1977 and received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1979. In 1991 Professor Stapleton retired from full time teaching at HCCC. At that time she received the title of "professor emeritus" and in 2004 was selected for the prestigious HCCC Torch Bearer Award. Prior to relocating in Herkimer, Miss Stapleton was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Peekskill. She then joined the Herkimer Reformed Church where she served on the body in the Montgomery Classis on the Pastor Parish Relations Committee. In 1988 she became a member of the Mohawk Reformed Church serving as Elder on the Consistory and assuming an active role in church functions. A 70 year member of Myrtle Chapter #148 and Evening Star Valley Chapter #82, Order of the Eastern Star of the State of New York, Miss Stapleton served as Worthy Matron in 1964, 1985, and 1986. From 1967 to 1969 she held the position of Grand Representative to the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland for New York State. She was a member of Grand Officers' Association of the 15th District of OES and served as its president. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Herkimer County College Foundation for more than 25 years, she was an active participant on numerous committees including Arts and Crafts, Gourmet Dinner and the World Cuisine Festival. From 1998 until 2001 she assumed the position President of the Foundation. As an active member of Herkimer Garden Club, Miss Stapleton served as its president for three years. In 1995 she was elected 1st Assistant Director of District V Federated Garden Clubs of New York State and from 1997 to 1999 assumed the position of Director of this District. In 1999 she was elected Assistant Treasurer of the Federated Garden Club of New York State and later served as chairman of the scholarship committee as well as Tour Director of the District and State levels Membership in other organizations included AARP serving as Tour Director and President, New York State Association for Two-Year Colleges, Herkimer Branch of the American Association Society of University Women serving as president for six years, American Society of Travel Agents serving as Travel School Chairperson for Up-State ASTA, Travel and Vacation Association, Women in Travel, Leatherstocking Country, NY, Herkimer County Historical Society, Board of Directors of the Folts Home Foundation, Folts Home Auxiliary, Herkimer Chapter of the American Field Service Program serving as president for several years and Herkimer County Humane Society. Survivors include many friends. She was predeceased by her parents and several aunts, uncles and cousins and her beloved poodles. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday January 4, 2023 at 10:30 am in the Mohawk Reformed Church, with the Reverend Brian Engel, pastor officiating. Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Peekskill on Thursday January 5th at 1:00pm. Calling hours will be at Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer, on Tuesday January 3rd, from 4:00 until 7:00 pm. Memorial donations may be made to the Mohawk Reformed Church, 18 S. Otsego St. Mohawk, NY 13407, Herkimer County College Foundation, 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer, NY 13350, Herkimer Humane Society, PO Box 73, Mohawk, NY 13407 or to a charity of one's choice. Members of Evening Star Valley Chapter #82 OES will meet at the funeral home on Tuesday evening at 6:45pm for ritualistic services. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Robert Pavelock for his outstanding medical care, Kenneth Palmer a true friend and advisor, Dr. John Endrus who provided compassionate care for Jean's two poodles and to Michelle Goodbread, Jean's loyal caretaker for several years. Calling Hours

Tuesday, January 3, 2023 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Fenner Funeral Home Inc. 115 Court St. Herkimer, New York 13350 Funeral Service

Wednesday, January 4, 2023 10:30 AM

Mohawk Reformed Church Otsego Street Mohawk, NY 13407 Burial

Thursday, January 5, 2023 1:00 PM

Hillside Cemetery Oregon Road Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567