Obituary of Jean W. Tudman

Sherrill-Jean W Tudman, 98 of Sherrill passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Nov. 2, 2019. Jean was born on March 18,1921 in Rome, the daughter of Clarence F. and Alice (MacDougall) Wolfe, and was raised on the family's farm in Bartlett. She graduated from Westmoreland High School in 1938 as Valedictorian of her class. Jean then went to Drexel Institute of Technology in Philadelphia and graduated in 1942 with a degree in Home Economics. While at Drexel, Jean was President of Omicron Nu Home Economics Organization, served on the Dormitory Board and participated in Orchestra and Collegiate basketball. Jean returned home and married her high school sweetheart, Oliver Tudman on July 11, 1942 at the Bartlett Baptist Church and they shared this loving union of over 67 years until Oliver's death in 2010. Jean began her teaching career at VVS Central School as a substitute teacher in many departments at the high school. She found her first permanent position as a Home Ec. teacher and soon rose to Department Chair. After finishing her Masters Of Education degree in school counseling at Syracuse University, she became a counselor and was an important part of the growth and development of hundreds of students over the years. Even in retirement, Jean chose to attack new challenges. She authored two self published works about life during WWII. The first chronicled the relationship between Oliver and Jean while she was living with her very young son on the farm with her parents while Oliver flew in the European theater. The second book focused on her life as a young mother raising her son alone during wartime until Oliver's return from overseas in 1946. Jean was an avid golfer and loved following Syracuse football and basketball games. Surviving are three sons and daughters-in-law David (Gail) of Canandaigua, Richard (Gretchen) of Sherrill and Doug (Sharon "Pickie") of Sherrill; seven grandchildren Scott (Meg), Ian, Kara (Dan) Davis, Dennis (Corinne), Dave, Bradley (Suzanne) and Courtney Maye; eight great-grandchildren, Ella, Devin, Delaney, Derek, Jordan, Chris, Penelope, Wesley and one great great grandchild Rhys. Also surviving are one sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Jim Hotaling. Jean was pre-deceased by a sister Lois Mallinson. The family wishes to thank Hospice of New Hartford, Lutheran Care of Clinton and St. E's of Utica. And a special thank you to Pickie for her care during the last week of Jean's life. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (at Jean's request in memory of Oliver), and Christ Church in Sherrill. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Calling hours will be from 3-7 on Friday at Malecki Funeral Home in Sherrill with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Christ Church in Sherrill. There will be a private burial service and family gathering following the Church service. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com