Jean C. McCumber

We sadly announce the death of Jean Corr Camp McCumber of Glastonbury, CT, beloved mother and grandmother, on December 5, 2024 at the age of 102.
Jean was born on October 19, 1922 in Decatur, IL. Her parents, Harry and Mabel (Link) Camp, operated a family farm in nearby Harristown. As a child she and her brother Jack had full scope of the property to explore the yard, fields, and barns, and she had a special memory of the rope swing the kids would use to swing out of the haymow onto the soft landing below. Mabel was noted as a great cook, baker and candymaker, and was an avid gardener. She taught Jean well and Jean's subsequent family benefited from her skills for years to come. Harry passed on his love of card games and interest in reading. As a teenager, Jean would do farm chores such as driving a pony and buggy out to the fields to deliver water to the harvesters.
Jean suffered the death of her mother just as she turned age twenty. Despite her wonderful upbringing on the farm, Jean dreamed of life outside of farming. While in college at the University of Illinois she met Robert McCumber, who also preferred an alternative to farming life. Their shared goals and courtship resulted in marriage during WWII: she in her white eyelet bridal dress, he in his white military dress uniform. Jean moved around the country often to be near Bob while he was on military assignment. After the war they moved back to the Camp homestead where they raised their growing family – Brenda, Stan, and Bruce.
In 1956 the family left their native state for a better opportunity and moved to Williamsport, PA where they had their youngest child, Carol. They built a house that was inspired by a lovely mature wisteria arbor on the lot – it reminded Jean of her childhood home. Jean's life as a housewife and mother was well-suited to her. She would sew clothes for herself and daughters, make meals and desserts from scratch, and support the community with volunteer activities. She loved to entertain company. There was a long-running bridge game with her brother and in-laws the scorecard of which would stretch over many years.
In 1963, Jean and family made their last move to Glastonbury, CT. Bob went to work at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT and Jean continued as a mother and housewife. However, things were changing. As her children became increasingly more independent, Jean applied for a teaching position and was hired to teach Special Education at Keeney Street School in Manchester, CT. While teaching, she enrolled at the University of Hartford and earned her Master of Education degree plus thirty additional credit hours -- thus fulfilling her long-held dream of a professional career. She worked at Keeney Street School for twenty-five years, and in her supportive classroom she taught her pupils many daily living skills. Highlights included a pupil-prepared lunch for the 6th graders and a field trip to NYC.
During her busy life in Glastonbury, Jean was able to pursue numerous interests: tennis, square dancing, cards, reading, gardening, antiquing & collecting, and travel. Her good humor and witticisms sprinkled many conversations, and her farm phrases kept the younger generations highly amused. She was known in the family for making an array of homemade cookies, caramels, and fudge for the holidays, in addition to full menus. She was a loving wife and mother and a thoughtful friend and neighbor.
After her husband died in 2005, Jean was able to age in place. She was amazingly active and independent well into her nineties. When it was time for assistance, the family developed a roster of children and grandchildren who traveled to her home and provided care. She especially loved having her grandchildren help her (Molly, Emma, Russell, Willis, and Vanessa) so she could keep up with their plans and dreams. Books-on-tape became a mainstay. She played her last card game two weeks before her death.
Jean's wish was to die peacefully at home, and in the early morning hours of December 5, 2024 she quietly slipped away in her sleep. She is survived by four generations: daughter Brenda McCumber, son Stan McCumber and daughter-in-law Jenny Wright, son Bruce McCumber and partner Nancy Jewett, and daughter Carol McCumber; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nephew Jim Camp and niece Janet Camp and their families, and many additional beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Special mention of treasured people includes Libbet Downs, Maria Almeida, and Joe Kalber. She is predeceased by her husband Robert McCumber, her parents Harry and Mabel Camp, and her brother Jack Camp.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 50 Naubuc Avenue, Glastonbury, CT on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Doors will open at 12:00 p.m. for family visitation. All are invited to gather at the home of Jean McCumber after the service.
Flowers or a contribution to a cause of your choice in memory of Jean would be welcome.