Jean Marie Edley

Jean Marie Edley, 74, of Fulton, NY, passed away peacefully, on September 12, 2025, with her daughter, Stephanie, by her side.

Jean was born on January 29, 1951, in Fulton, NY to the late Charles and Marie Gilbert.

Jean was kind, patient, generous and thoughtful. She also had an incredible ability to organize anything from fun events to the more mundane day to day tasks or items. As many know, her love language was gift giving. She was always baking, crocheting, or planning ahead for birthdays and Christmas. This paired well with her love of shopping! We will do our best to make her infamous fudge this year, just let us know if you are on her yearly list of recipients.

Jean was an avid lifelong learner. She graduated from Oswego College with a bachelor’s degree in 1973 applying her degree working for Oswego County 35 years as a supervisor in the adult protective and children divisions. While working she also acquired her Master of Science degree (counseling and psychological services emphasis on human services counseling) from Oswego in 1984 and her Master of Social Work from Syracuse University in 2007.

Jean never really stopped working and contributing to her community. She worked at our local Medicine Shoppe, provided family therapy, and most recently volunteered at her beloved local library here in Fulton for the Friends of the Library. She loved to read and always had a book within arm’s reach.

Jean is survived by her husband of 50 years, Stephen, her brother Chuck, her children Stephanie and Matthew, and her two beloved grandchildren. Mom loved watching her granddaughter dance in recitals every year and always cheering on her grandson with every accomplishment or milestone he mastered. Aside from her husband and grandkids, her children were her guidepost. Her son Matthew was born with significant disabilities and required parents with tremendous heart to care for and love him, which they did, 100%, with amazing strength. Somehow while working, learning, and caring for her son she also supported her daughter’s love of ice skating, driving her to and from sessions in the early morning before work, every day of the week.

No buildings are named after Jean, no monuments built, but she left behind unfillable holes in the hearts of many. We love you.

A celebration of life will be held at the Fulton Public Library on Saturday October 11th from 2pm-5pm. Family and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her grandchildren’s 529 Plans (accounts dedicated toward college education) in her honor. She was an avid lifelong learner and would love nothing more than to ensure her grandkids had the opportunity to continue her love of learning. You may make a donation at this go fund me page: Jean's Grandkids Education Fund.

Funds will be split and deposited into each grandkid’s account.

To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.fosterfuneralhome.com.