JEAN FIRSTENCEL

Jean Firstencel of Niskayuna, NY, passed away December 10, 2009. Born January 14, 1929 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she later moved to NYC where she met her husband, Ira (deceased). Jean worked for the Niskayuna Schools then as an antique dealer in her retirement. Jean was a very spirited woman who put passion in everything she did. She worked on her beautiful gardens tirelessly. She was mostly a lover of animals. She rescued animals all her life, especially cats, which she spayed, tamed and found homes for. Fortunately for them, many ended up in her loving care. She leaves behind her three children, April (Gary), Heidi, Adam; and four grandchildren, Joshua, Eli, Bennett and Sadie. Graveside services will be held on December 22, 11 a.m. at Parkview Cemetery in Schenectady, NY. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Calling hours with family will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2270 Grand Blvd., Niskayuna. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 East 185th St., Cleveland, Ohio 44119 or the Schenectady Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave., Scotia, NY 12302.