Mrs. Jean B. Howe, 86, of Deerfield, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at her home. Jean was born on October 12, 1928 in Brasier Falls, NY, the daughter of Leon and Barbara (Knecht) Buck. She was raised and educated in Altamont and Syracuse. On October 14, 1950, Jean was united in marriage with Charles W. Howe in Syracuse. Mr. Howe passed away in 1991. Jean was a charter member of the former Christ Community Church in North Utica. She helped create Pack 59 and was a Den Mother and also trained other Den Mothers for many years. Jean was the Registrar for Christ Church Nursery School for over 25 years and also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for over 25 years. Anyone who knew Jean, knew they could ask her for anything and she'd be there. Everyone also knew she was a huge Syracuse basketball and football fan. Jean was a very generous, loving woman who always made her family her first priority. She enjoyed traveling to Al and Charlie's homes over the years to share special occasions or just to visit. Jean loved children, and was known for freely giving her time to babysit. She would light up when she was around children, especially her own grandchildren. Jean always supported her family, from being the only parent cheering at a high school cross country track meet for Charlie, cheering at a church basketball game for John, driving Al and his friends home from high school football practice or caring for an ill family member. Jean was a gifted seamstress, knitter and crafter, giving away most of the items she created. Jean is survived by her three sons and their families, John and Judy of Deerfield, NY and their sons, David and Donald; Alan and Margie of Pataskala, OH and their son, Tom; Charlie and Celia of Goldsboro, NC and their children, Jeremiah (& his wife, Krystian, and daughter, Abi), Nicholas, and Tami Ann. She is also survived by a brother and five sisters-in-law, Harold and Rita Buck, Juanita Buck, Marilou Leonard, Beth and Loren Miller and JoAnn and Bud Janovsky as well as by many nieces and nephews, including her Goddaughter, Christie Drury. Jean leaves fond memories with many friends and neighbors, especially Jean and Harry Longo and their daughter, Christine. She is predeceased by her brothers, Lee Buck, and Dick Buck, as well as her sisters and brothers-in-law, Arlene and Al Rieff, and Carol and Bill Megnin and Jim Leonard. Mrs. Howe's funeral service will be held on Friday, May 1, 2015 at 10:00 am at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica. Interment will follow in Crown Hill Memorial Park, Kirkland. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home, Thursday evening, from 4 - 7 pm. Those wishing may donate to the American Cancer Society in Jean's memory.