Jean L. Gilbert

93 years of age and resident of West Catasauqua, Whitehall Township, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening May 30, 2021 in her home surrounded by much love. Born in Allentown to the late Harold K. and Marguerite B. (McQuilken) Oswald, she was the wife of Ray C. Gilbert for 63 years at the time of his passing on November 18, 2014. Jean was a devoted member of Saint John's UCC Fullerton, where earlier in life she sang on the choir, and was a member of the prayer shawl committee. A 1946 graduate of Whitehall High School and member of their marching band, Jean attended many class reunions until they ceased. She graduated from The Allentown Hospital School of Nursing in 1949, where she roomed with her high school and lifelong friend, the late Faye E. (McKeever) Baylor. A close group of nurses from the Class of 1949, known as "Club", visited together once a month for the next 67 years! Jean was a member of the Allentown Hospital Alumni Assoc., and was an R.N. at the Allentown General Hospital until leaving to raise their family. Later she enjoyed working at Hilbert's Pharmacy and Gifts until retiring after almost two decades. She was most proud to be a mainstay and vital member of her family's funeral profession. Jean was a member of the former Whitehall Exchangettes Club and Whitehall Sr. Citizens. She and Ray enjoyed many bus trips and outings to the casinos, along with attending bingo fundraisers. An avid sports fan, she attended many games and matches of her granddaughters, and was a regular at Whitehall boys' basketball games for decades. She was an excellent cook and baker, avid reader, and was an expert in knitting and crocheting. Jean created many treasured items for family and friends that will be cherished forever.

She is survived by daughters Cheryl A. Sommer and her husband Dennis, and Kathy J. Haggerty and her husband Jim, along with her treasured granddaughters Kylee and Delaney; son Jay; sister in law Dorothea Gilbert; along with cousins and extended family.

Services and interment will be private.

Memorial contributions honoring Jean may be presented to the Lehigh Valley Hospital Friends of Nursing or Saint John's UCC Fullerton Pavilion Fund. Please mail checks to 444 Pershing Blvd Whitehall, PA 18052-6411.

The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall

is honored to handle Mom's arrangements

and will be forever grateful for her

love and care of the families we have served