Obituary of Jean A. Plume

RENSSELAER – Jean Ann Plume, 97, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday morning, December 7, 2022.  She was surrounded by her friends, caregivers, and the comforting presence of her cherished dog, Coqui.  Born in Albany in 1925, Jean Ann Sturn was the youngest of three and was the daughter of the late Willard F. Sturn and Anna A. McDonough of Homestead Avenue.  Jean was also preceded in passing by many whom she deeply loved;  her brother, Willard E. (Sonny) Sturn; sister, Elizabeth VanOverwalle; husband, Robert C. Plume in 2005; beloved niece, Teresa M. Sturn; sister-in-law and lifelong friend and companion, Ursula M. (Boyle) Sturn; her beloved nephew, Vincent E. Sturn; and nephew Jerry VanOverwalle.

 Jean is survived by her nephew, Patrick W. (Veronica) Sturn of Wynantskill; grand-niece, Terra Magdalen Sturn (Gary) Haight of Brunswick; nieces-in-law, Mary Sturn of Castleton, and Debbie Plume; and nieces Marcia VanOverwalle (Val) Riordan and Pamela VanOverwalle. She is also survived by several grand nephews and nieces, including Kyle Riordan.

Married in July of 1958 to Robert C. Plume of East Greenbush, the couple established their home on Farley Drive in Rensselaer. Together, Jean and Bob shared 47 years of love and many happy adventures, travelling widely and frequently. Many cruises and trips abroad were shared with Willard and Ursula.  Family Thanksgivings were always a special event to be looked forward to at their home and they particularly enjoyed hosting many social gatherings for family and friends over the years.

Jean was a 1942 honors graduate of Albany High School and went on to become an office manager for the Dun & Bradstreet Company in Albany, where she was employed for over 30 years, retiring in 1986.  She was loved by her co-workers and those she supervised. Several of whom she has kept in touch with through to recent years, getting together for lunches, bowling, and card games. 

Jean always enjoyed the company of many friends. A true social butterfly, yet somehow shy at the same time, she possessed a wry wit and terrific sense of humor. She could always bring a smile or a laugh to those around her. She could be unexpectedly funny and a pleasure to spend time with. Headstrong and determined to be at home, her later years have been happy and full of celebration. Always an animal lover, she kept the company of several sweet dogs—A rescue dog from Hurricane Katrina, Tino was her first pal after Bob passed. She then adopted Guy, a very sweet and gentle little dog. She is survived by and will be missed by Coqui, an undeniably spirited and energetic dog who became her protector and best friend. Jean was a faithful communicant of the St. John’s- St. Joseph’s Parish in Rensselaer.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 10:30am, St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, 54 Herrick Street, Rensselaer.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the W.J. Lyons Jr., funeral home, on Sunday December 11, 2022, from 2-4 pm. All are welcome to attend.

Interment will be in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT  84741 bestfriends.org; or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN, stjude.org.