Obituary of Jeanne Inglis MacCorkle

Jeanne I MacCorkle died peacefully at Fair Haven Methodist Home in Birmingham, Alabama on November 22, 2023. She was welcomed into her eternal home by Jesus, her Savior and friend. Those who knew her can only imagine her entering into heaven with great celebration, singing, dancing, laughter, and conversation–because that's how she lived her life before the constraints of age and illness took many of those things from her. Jeanne lived a life of impact and leaves a treasured legacy and example for all those who knew her. She was born Jeanne Ellen Inglis in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1931 and grew up in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. She married Arthur H MacCorkle in June of 1953. They were a dynamic duo, each engaging in their family and community in their own unique way. They raised their four children in Pitman, New Jersey in an atmosphere shaped by their values: dinners around the table, family fun and adventures, faith, generosity, and service to God and others. Their devotion to each other was evident until they were separated by death with Arthur's passing November 19, 2007. A passionate educator and advocate, Jeanne earned a degree from West Chester Teacher's College in Elementary Education with a Music minor. She became a 4th-grade teacher until she dedicated her time to her children at home. She went on to become the founder and director of the Gloucester County Cerebral Palsy Center Preschool and was leader of the Child Study Guidance Team in Pitman, New Jersey. Throughout her life, Jeanne's energy for serving the community seemed endless. If there was something that needed to be done, or just sounded fun, she would do it. As one community member said, "She had a way of stretching time like a rubber band." She was a Girl Scout leader, church choir member and soloist, member of the Presbyterian Women, youth group leader, youth choir leader, and PEO member for over 50 years. Even after retiring to their beloved Adirondack mountains in Hadley, New York, she and Art remained active leaders in their church and community where she served as a deacon, school volunteer, and travel coordinator for the local Seniors. Jeanne established traditions that brought people together wherever she went: Christmas brunches, church Halloween costume parades, the Souper Bowl mission on Super Bowl Sundays, Bridge Club, outings to the Philadephia Orchestra, birthday parties for children's church at Christmas time, and F.R.O.G cards sent to hurting friends. Her family and grandchildren (who knew her as Gahgee) participated in these and even more traditions in her home: Farkle tournaments with the champions belt, toast-tites by the lake, blueberry pancakes, gummies in the mail, 10-year-old trips, Christmas-gift-puzzle challenges, thank-you note deadlines, fishing contests where everyone wins a prize, and games around the dining table. She was the biggest fan of all of her grandchildren's pursuits from college wrestling to music performances to mission trips–she was always there to support and cheer. She made an impact not just with her time, but with her attitude, words, and attention. She had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued for who they were. She taught us the value of looking on the bright side and trusting even when things didn't go as planned–there's always a plan B. She was kind and generous and always the life of the party. She didn't take herself too seriously, but she also knew how to get things done (or tell you how to do it). Even in her last years, after she was no longer able to speak or communicate, she managed to endear all of her fellow residents and care-takers at the nursing home where she lived through her patience and laughter. The gift that endured longest during her life on earth was her ability to win those around her with her beautiful smile and sparkle in her eye that, as one family friend described, "spoke both of love and a little bit of mischief." Jeanne is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Arthur H. MacCorkle. She is survived by her dedicated brother, Robert S. Inglis, Jr. and her four children and their spouses: Cindy (Gerry) Geletzke, A. Harry (Chris) MacCorkle Jr , Steve (Andrea) MacCorkle and MaryEllen (Ryan) Miller along with 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Memorial gifts may be given to the United Presbyterian Church of Northville, NY (PO Box 657, Northville, NY 12134) or your local Habitat for Humanity.