Jean E. Eaton

Jean Evans Eaton of Lancaster, PA, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at the age of 98. Born in Gwynedd Valley, PA, to Horace Cadwallader Evans and Eleanor Carolyn Wolfe Evans, Jean became the loving wife of 60 years to William B. Eaton, Jr. Together they raised five lively children: Linda Diane, William B. Eaton III, Bradley, Eleanor, and Amy. Later they welcomed Brad's wife, Linda Sue (then their son, Zachary), and Amy's partner, Michael. Years later, along came Zach's wife, Alexandra, and great-granddaughter, Valentina Linda-Jean.

Jean's life was one of joy and service, both personally and professionally, and she was never happier than when she was helping others. In that spirit, she became a nurse in 1945, graduating from the former Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing in Abington, PA. Born and raised a Quaker, Jean faithfully worshipped and served at three Meetings over her lifetime: Gwynedd Friends Meeting, Gwynedd, PA; Adelphi Friends Meeting, Adelphi, MD; and Lancaster Friends Meeting.

Family was so important to Jean, and she always strived to keep in touch with siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws, whether they were far away or close by. From large family Thanksgivings to birthday bashes on the patio, Jean made sure laughter was always the best part of the day! The kids' favorite family memories include Boy Scout and Girl Scout adventures, camping, and their cross-country trip in 1976. These family times were always filled with Jean's humor and good nature.

Jean was a people person through and through. Over the years, she sent thousands of cards to family and friends. With her outgoing spirit, Jean and Bill maintained friendships for many decades with folks from their neighborhoods, the U.S. Navy, nursing, Meetings and more.

Jean loved singing with the Sweet Adelines, socializing with the ladies of The Red Hat Society, fellowshipping with Lancaster Meeting's "Friendly Eights" group, and travel-learning vacations with Elderhostel (now Road Scholar). After moving to Lancaster, Jean became very involved with activities at Homestead Village. And she was always up for a good game of Scrabble!

Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents and her in-laws, William B. Eaton, Sr. and Dorothea Schoenwetter Eaton; daughter Linda Diane; sister Gwenellen Evans Nicodemus; brothers Horace (Bud), John, Joseph, and Owen; sisters-in-law Evey, Cynthia, and June; and brothers-in-law Dayton and Nick. Jean is survived by sister Mary Evans Follett, Bill III (Bryant), Brad and Linda, Eleanor, Amy and Michael, Zachary, Alexandra and Valentina, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Please join us in celebrating the life of this strong, faithful, and loving woman on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Lancaster Friends Meeting, 110 Tulane Terrace, Lancaster, PA, 17603.

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