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BORN
1953
DIED
2020
Jean Symonds Obituary
Born: July 26, 1953
Died: May 22, 2020
Jean Ann Symonds found everlasting peace on May 22, 2020. She was born July 26, 1953 in Williamsville, NY to Eugene and Irene (Jankowski) Ouchie. She was predeceased by her parents. Jean graduated from Williamsville High School. She married her first love, Paul Symonds, in 1969 and resided in Buffalo, NY moving to Illinois in 1989.
Jean was very creative and excelled in sewing, designing patterns and clothes for her family. Nothing meant more to Jean than her family and she took every opportunity to celebrate any occasion to bring family together. She was an outstanding cook and thrived on being an exceptional hostess ensuring everyone was comfortable and having fun. Jean was a compelling storyteller finding humor in every tale. She brought joy and laughter everywhere she went and was incredibly kind. Jean rarely dwelled on the future and she experienced love for life in the present with her family and friends. Jean worked for Furst Staffing for over 25 years and will be missed by her co-workers where she made life-long friends. Jean was fortunate in finding a soul mate later in life with her fiancé Frank DiNardo. After a beautiful engagement in Italy, Jean and Frank privately vowed to each other and exchanged rings. They had planned to wed later this year.
Jean is greatly missed by her loving family; her sons, Stephen (Hanna) Symonds, Justin (Kara) Symonds; her sisters Barb (Paul) Fruehauf, Rita (Ron) Wimmer; her brothers Al Ouchie, Don (Mary) Ouchie; her grandchildren Holden and Evan Symonds in addition to numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held later this year.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jean Symonds
Laurie Wurster
May 31, 2025
Still missing our `bright light Jean´ five years later. Gone but tucked in our hearts and not forgotten! Laurie
Shelley Fogelson Miller
June 6, 2020
I was fortunate to have met Jean in high school. She was a wife, a mom, a student; she could sew and cook, and she was funny! She was a great friend. We reconnected on FB and Im thankful for having had her in my life. To her family, Im so sorry for your enormous loss.
Taylor Herrmann
June 6, 2020
Jean was such a kind soul, and made every day at the office a fun one; her laughter was contagious. I am so grateful that she took a chance on me starting out in the recruiting industry, and for all the knowledge she passed down to me. Her passion and involvement in the Sycamore & Dekalb communities was incredibly inspiring and meaningful.
Sending prayers to her family and friends during this time. Jean will be missed very much.
Alice Ralph
June 5, 2020
Jean was such a lovely, vital person, with a wonderful sense of humor. You could always count on her to light up a room with her warmth and kindness. We fellow members of our little book group miss her very much. Our sympathies to her family and friends.
Mary Petruchius
June 2, 2020
Jean,
The Best Girls Book Club will miss your laughter and love of literature. You will forever be a Best Girl!
With loving thoughts,
Lisa Braun
Lynn Buckner
Christi Castenson
Diane Elliott
Stephanie Klein
Jill Konen
Lori Lawson
Amy Levin
Mary Nelson
Mary Petruchius
Alice Ralph
Lynn Richards
Linda Yates
May 29, 2020
Dear Steve, Hanna and family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Jean was an incredible person who was the center of a party. Her life was one well lived and she was truly cherished.
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
Adele (a FurstStaffing friend and fellow ASAP)
May 29, 2020
Beautifully written obituary Jean was truly fabulous in every sense of the word. You always knew you were in for a fun time when Jean entered the room. Such a wonderfully special friend who will be dearly missed. Deepest sympathy to Frank and Jeans entire family for this immense loss.
Sue Appleby
May 28, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Jeans passing. We crossed paths years ago. She made everyone around her feel great! She will be dearly missed
Barbara Larson
May 28, 2020
Jean was a great friend. She was always smiling and had an infectious laugh. She was always positive, always laughing, and making others laugh. I will miss her!
Barb
Cassandra
May 28, 2020
Our lives are forever changed. I can't believe I'm writing a note in an obituary of one of my closest friends. I've learned so much from Jean and I miss her every second of every day. Hugs to all of you oxoxxoxo
May 28, 2020
All my condolences to the family. All my thoughts go out to family and loved ones during these difficult times
Sylvain Lauga
Amy Levin
May 27, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss! Jean had a friendly word and smile for everyone, and I felt lucky to know her! Amy Levin
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