Jeanne Lillian Simonsen Orr

PENN YAN - Jeanne Lillian Simonsen Orr, age 88, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday (December 4, 2014).
A Memorial Service will be held Monday (December 8) at 2:00 p.m. at the Penn Yan Bible Church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Penn Yan Rotary, Give-A-Dime-Save A Child "Dime-olish" Polio, P.O. Box 512, Penn Yan, N.Y., 14527; or the Penn Yan Bible Church, 2015 Kimball Rd., Penn Yan, N.Y., 14527.
Jeanne was born on September 18, 1926, in the family home on North Main Street, Penn Yan, which they referred to as "the Milk house" (currently known as O'Dell TV). Her parents, John and Jensine (Fredericksen) Simonsen, were both Danish immigrants. When Jeanne was nine months old, her family moved to the new home (now Grant Avenue) that had been built by her father. In 1937 they settled on the farm just outside of Penn Yan, located on what is now named Simonsen Road. She graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1944, and soon after graduating worked for the Penn Yan Shopping Guide. Jeanne married Frederick James "Jim" Orr on March 23, 1946. They celebrated fifty-seven years of marriage before Jim's homegoing on November 13, 2003. In the summer of 1953, Jeanne was stricken with polio, as were many in the surrounding areas of Yates County at the time. Most of that summer she remained in Geneva General Hospital, apart from her husband and two small children. A charter member of Penn Yan Bible Church, Jeanne was very active in the church and found great joy in using her God-given gifts. She was a talented artist and was always ready and willing to help with the many Christmas productions, Vacation Bible Schools, missions conferences and valentine banquets. She instilled in her family the love and importance of working in the church. She was a Patriotic American, and a proud Marine wife, who was always ready with a smiling face, a gentle demeanor and a hug. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Jeanne leaves a legacy of love, perseverance and determination to always do what is right. Most of all, she loved her Lord.
Jeanne is survived by her children, David (Kathy) Orr, Judi (Jerry) Wohlschlegel, Daniel (Jane) Orr; Jo-Anne (Ron) Switzer, Jennifer (Mike) Carson, Duane (Lori) Orr; 19 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; brother, John (Geraldine) Simonsen; sister-in-law, Lois (Lee) Rogers; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Frederick James Orr; brothers and sisters, Chrysta (Homer) Dunn, Herbert Yul Simonsen, Helen Virginia Simonsen, Harriet Elizabeth (Donald) Lambert, and Herbert F. (Phyllis) Simonsen; brothers and sisters-in-laws; and nephews.
Condolences for the family may be sent through www.kenperkinsfuneralhome.com.