BADGER, JEAN D., 94, of Ambler, formerly of Oreland, on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Jefferson Lansdale Hospital. Born in Hatfield, PA on September 21,1929, she was the daughter of the late Willard S. and Ruth Stoudt Detweiler. Jean graduated from Hatfield Consolidated High School, then received a BA in Elementary Education from Penn State University in 1951 and a MEd from Arcadia University in 1976. She was predeceased in 2019 by her husband of 66 years, Jack S. Badger; and in 2023 by her son, Craig.

Jean's career as an elementary school teacher began at Roslyn Elementary School (Abington School District) in 1951. After taking time off to start a family, she resumed her career and spent 22 years teaching kindergarten and 2nd grade at Jarrettown Elementary School and Thomas Fitzwater Elementary School (Upper Dublin School District). Between public school positions, Jean was named the first Director of the Carmel Weekday Nursery School, serving five years from 1962-67.

Jean was a faithful member of Carmel Presbyterian Church, serving many terms as an Elder, Trustee and Shepherd. She was a long-time member of Women's Fellowship and served as a VBS leader and Sunday School teacher. She was a trained Stephen Minister providing one-on- one support to congregational members-in-need. Known for her commitment to visiting the homebound and infirmed, Jean provided a smile and friendly conversation to scores of friends, family and acquaintances. She was part of the congregational letter writing team for many years, keeping in touch regarding joys and concerns. Jean was also a Carmel Ambassador, making a point of welcoming visitors on Sunday mornings.

Slideshows and taped travelogs shared with friends and family were evidence of how much Jean enjoyed traveling. She logged sightseeing trips to many US States, including Hawaii and Alaska; to Canada; and overseas to Japan, Australia and New Zealand; along with a number of European countries. Jean was a fan of Penn State football and Phillies baseball.

For 42 years, her welcoming Oreland home - with its beautiful flower garden, brick patio, comfortable living room and always-delicious food on the table - was a gathering place to entertain family, friends and neighbors; observe holidays; salute the 4th of July with parades and picnics; celebrate family birthdays; toast the New Year; and host out-of-town guests. When cousins and neighborhood kids were in the house, Jean's mantras of "fruit before cookies" and, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all," were legendary. Most of all, through everything she did, Jean showed how much she loved and cared for her
family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Lohoefer (Robert) of Ambler; daughter-in-law Betty Badger of Warrington; grandchildren Julia Lohoefer-Kozak (Kevin); John "Jack" Badger (Meg); Bret Badger (Stephanie); and Rebecca Lohoefer-Mahon (Jeff); great-grandsons Jack Mahon, Aiden Badger, William Mahon and Asher Kozak; brother, Willard Detweiler, Jr. of Chestnut Hill; brother-in-law Edward Badger (Regina) of New Castle, PA; and, more than 20 nieces and nephews spanning three generations. In addition to her parents, husband and son, Jean was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law Majorie and Allen Cowell, sister-in-law Susan Detweiler, and nephew James Cowell.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Carmel Presbyterian Church in Glenside; family greeting at 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am. Her ashes will be committed in the church's Memory Garden immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions
in Jean's name may be made to Carmel Presbyterian Church Memory Garden Fund, 100 Edge Hill Road, Glenside, PA 19038.