Jean Marilyn (Seekins) Harms, age 86, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. She was born June 25, 1938 in Batavia, New York the only child of Harry and Helen Seekins.
She married David Harms and enjoyed a long, happy marriage of 64 years. They had two children together. She was a loving and devoted mother to: Crystal (Joseph) Jeziorski of Brockport, NY; Steven (Kristina) of Raleigh, NC. They had two grandchildren: Blake Harms of Raleigh, NC and Erika Harms of Washington, DC. Jean is also survived by cousins Donna Kauffman; Donald Seekins; several nieces and nephews, and the Jantzi Family; Todd, Sandra, Cal and Zak.
In her youth, Jean, was a very active member in the Happy Hopper 4H club. At age 16 her winning apple pie recipe was published in the Batavia Daily Newspaper. In 1966 they also published her Caramel Pecan Honey Rolls recipe. Jean graduated from Batavia High School in 1956 and received a Master’s degree in teaching home economics from Oneonta College in 1960; eventually teaching primary-age students in East Pembroke.
During the years that Jean’s husband was fire chief, she was active in East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department’s ladies auxiliary. She also joined David with getting her General class ham radio license (KA2GLR) and was active in the Genesee Radio Amateurs club. Jean was leader of her daughter’s 4H club the Clever Clovers for 5 years. She also played the piano and organ.
After her retirement in 1993, Jean started line dancing and doing it for 30 years until she turned 85. She started tracing her family’s genealogy making it into an obsession. Jean enjoyed 55 years of camping, many cruises, and 22 winters in Winterset Resort, Florida. She also enjoyed playing Solitaire and Mahjong and helping her husband with jigsaw puzzles.
There will be no prior calling hours. The family will have a brief ceremony at Grand View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 44, East Pembroke, NY 14056. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
