Obituary of Jean E. Hale

Jean E. Hale of Watervliet entered into rest Monday, May 21, 2012 surrounded by her family. She was 71. Daughter of the late Richard and Avis Brink Towne, she was born on December 28, 1940 in Pownal, Vermont. She married the love of her life, Charles J. Hale, Sr. on June 8, 1958 at St. Mary's Church in Troy. Mr. Hale survives at home in Watervliet. Mrs. Hale grew up in rural New York. She later attended Troy schools where she met her future husband, "Chub". Together, they moved to Watervliet in 1958 where they raised their five children. Jean worked for Schlumberger in Latham as an electronics tech for many years until their closing in 1988. Soon after, she decided to work from home doing what she did and loved best, care for children. She ran her home daycare, until her retirement in 2005. Even after the kids were grown, Jean enjoyed receiving their pictures and letters, and keeping up with their lives. In their retirement, Jean and Chub enjoyed day trips to the Saratoga Racino, being outside and gardening. She was an amazing cook and showed her love for her family through her delicious meals. Most important to her was her family. Her time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the time she enjoyed most. In addition to her husband at home, Jean is survived by her children Sharon A. Henderson and her husband, Dean of Menands, Charles J. Hale, Jr. and his wife, Anna of Latham, Jeffary L. Hale of Watervliet, Susan L. Hale-Cunningham of Watervliet, and John M. Hale and his wife, Noel of Troy; siblings, Marvin Towne and his wife, Theresa of Cohoes, David Towne and his wife, Alice of Hoosick Falls, Willard Towne and his wife, Mary of Watervliet, and Sharon Hoag and her husband, George of Hoosick Falls; 16 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; dear friends, Carol and John Clementi; and her beloved cats, Mike and Ike. She was predeceased by her brothers, Richard Towne and Michael Towne; her sisters, Joyce Lewis and Patricia Grogan; and her great-grandson, Elijah. Family will receive their friends on Thursday, May 24 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Parker Bros. Memorial Home, 2013 Broadway in Watervliet. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home; Reverend Trygve C. Tomlinson will preside. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Watervliet-Shaker Road in Albany. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home. To send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.