Jean M. Riker, 88 of Palmer Twp., PA died Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at home. Born May 18, 1930 in Hornell, NY, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Marietta (Horton) McGraw. She and her husband Leon W. “Pete” Riker have been married 64 years. A graduate of Kenmore High School in NY, she received a BA in History from Alfred University and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Marywood College. She taught preschool, kindergarten and first grade in TX, NY and PA and most recently headed the Preschool Program at St. Paul’s Third Lutheran Church, Palmer Twp.
She was a member of College Hill Presbyterian Church, Easton and had served as Deacon, Elder, choir member, and Sunday school teacher at various churches over her lifetime. She was a member of AAUW, where she was a Past-President of the Scranton, Greensburg and Easton Branches; and Special Honoree of the Easton Branch in 2014 and their Outstanding Woman in 1995. She served on the Siegel Museum Collection Committee for the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society and was a member of: the League of Women Voters, URW Club, Fortnightly (Past-President) and various sewing clubs including the former Coutouierre Club. Jean volunteered at Turning Point of Lehigh Valley where she received recognition for 25 years of service in 2011. In 2010 she received the President’s Call to Service Award from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.
She is survived by her husband Pete; daughters: Ann Inoue (husband Takashi) of Sayville, NY; Susan Fedors (husband Russell) of Ellicott City, MD; Mary Kornick (husband Daniel) of Mendham, NJ; son-in-law: Charles Fash of Cumming, GA; and 11 grandchildren: Philip and David Inoue, Timothy and Stephen Fash, Brian and Jeremy Fedors, and Caitlin, Julia, Kellianne, Emily and Matthew Kornick. She was predeceased by a daughter: Karen Fash.
Services are 10 AM Saturday July 7 in College Hill Presbyterian Church, 501 Brodhead St., Easton, PA; with visitation 6 PM to 8 PM Friday in the church. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Interment is in the Historic Easton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, 444 E Susquehanna St, Allentown, PA 18103. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Ken and Lois Wildrick
July 4, 2018 at 10:17 am
Pete, we are so sorry to hear that Jean has died. She was always a delight to be with, and had an unfailingly cheerful manner. We enjoyed so much all the rotating goumet meals we shared with you both. And just fairly recently we learned of Jean’s exceptional sewing skills, when she worked on repairing the bridal dresses for the exhibit at the Sigal Museum. We will not be able to be there for the visitation or service, as we are out of town, but we will be thinking of you and your family . Our most sincere sympathy, Lois and Ken
Elizabeth (BJ) Lawrence
July 4, 2018 at 6:03 pm
Pete, thank you for calling. Jeani was a sweet and wonderful person. She was my childhood friend and I will miss her so very much as I know you and your daughters will. My deepest sympathy to you and may God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. BJ
Gene McGraw
July 4, 2018 at 6:30 pm
Pete,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Until I read Jean’s obituary, I had no idea she was doing so many wonderful things. Truly a beautiful person. In case you didn’t know, you and Jean were two of my fathers favorite people. It’s not hard to understand why. My sincerest sympathy. Gene McGraw.
Jane Wolf
August 1, 2018 at 9:45 pm
I was so sorry to hear of Jeans passing. She is at peace and resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Memories, we must rely upon all of the wonderful times we had with our loved ones. I have many fond memories of Jean and her welcoming smile and friendly way toward me, Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Jane Wolf