Jean C. Konieczka

1932 - 2024

OLEAN - Jean C. Konieczka, formerly of North Olean and in recent years of 401 Alder Court, passed away peacefully Thursday (Feb. 29, 2024) at Absolut Care of Allegany.

Born Feb. 10, 1932, she was the daughter of John and Dorothy Higgins Quigley.

Jean was a life-long resident of Olean, attending St. Mary's Parochial School and graduating in 1949 as valedictorian of her senior class at Olean High School.

She was working in the office of the high school when she married Cas Konieczka on Aug. 19, 1950. They enjoyed polka dancing and getting together with friends. After Cas died, Jean worked at the Olean Police Department as a records clerk, where she was like a "Mom" to many of the police officers.

She was a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and was chosen as their "Woman of the Year" in 2003. She volunteered her time and talents at Intandem in Olean and received the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce Good News Senior Award in 1999. She was a member of the Pulaski Club Auxiliary, the Transfiguration Church Rosary Society and enjoyed being a member of the Olean Senior League. She was also a member of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels.

She fulfilled her dream of visiting Ireland, traveling with her daughter Kathie and her husband, Steve, in the late 90s.

Jean enjoyed crocheting, reading, trying her luck at the casino and visiting her daughters, both in Olean and out of town.

She is survived by four daughters, Lorrie (Thomas Michael) Cooney of Spring, Texas, Kathie O'Mara of Cortland, Nancy Wonderling of Olean and Mary (Michael) Browning of Port Richey, Fla. She had eight grandchildren, Jeff (Maggie) Cooney, Jill (Zach) Teague, Ryan Oliver, Sara Wonderling, Stacey (Tavis) Ganoung, Jason (Chantelle) Browning, Kristen (Ryan) Browning and Casey Konieczka; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her first cousin, Dennis Driscoll, who was like a brother to her.

Jean was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Casimir A. Konieczka on July 9, 1988; her son, Casimir H. Konieczka in 2015; her brother, Patrick Quigley in 1997; her first cousin, Timothy Driscoll, who was like a brother to her; and her son-in-law, Stephen O'Mara.

The family received friends from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday (March 3, 2024) at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean. A prayer service will be held at 9:30 a.m. today (March 4, 2024) in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Rev. Christopher Emminger, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association; or to Intandem, 1439 Buffalo St., Olean, NY 14760.