Obituary of Jean Eleanor Hatch

Jean Eleanor Hatch On April 3 this world lost a precious soul when Jean Eleanor Hatch passed away peacefully at The Rosewood in Fort Oglethorpe, GA after 96 well-lived years. Jean was born in Buffalo, NY and grew up in Ebenezer, NY. She attended Fredonia State Teachers College where she was President of her Senior Class. She had a lovely soprano voice and performed and taught vocal music in NY and FL for 13 years before moving to be with family in SC where she took on the challenge of managing their bowling lanes. In 1963 Jean moved to Chattanooga and began a career with Hamilton County Schools that lasted until her retirement as Guidance Counselor at Red Bank Middle School. While Jean was completing a Masters degree at UTC she met Frances Eleanor Bowman, a teacher at Hixson Jr. High. They remained lifelong friends and traveled all over the world during summer breaks. Jean was a giving, caring friend and family member. During her years as a resident at The Continental she collected stuffed animals to give to anyone who needed comforting. One of her favorite activities was socializing cats at the McKamey Animal Center to ready them for adoption. She was an active member of First-Centenary United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, and the Susannah Wesley Circle of United Methodist Women Jean was predeceased by her parents, Dewitt and Blanch Hatch, sisters Ruth Harris and Dorothy Hatch, and brother-in-law Jerry Harris. Surviving Jean are her sister, Suzanne Hatch and her friend, Mary Elaine Moniz, both of Hixson, TN; nieces, Sandra Lawrence of Townsend, MA, Cynthia Harris of Danielsville, GA, Dorothy Harris of Chillicothe, Ohio; nephews James Harris of Tyrone, GA, and Daniel Harris of Danielsville GA. Also surviving are grandnieces and nephews as well as great-grandnieces and nephews. Special thanks to Charlotte and Tee who were friends and caregivers for several years, and to the loving caregivers she had during her time at The Rosewood, and Tapestry Hospice. According to Jean’s wishes her body will be cremated. A Celebration of Life service will be held at her church, First-Centenary. at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 9, with visitation from noon until 1. Caregivers and Circle members will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorial gifts may be given to either the music ministry at First-Centenary or to McKamey Animal Center. Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Soddy-Daisy. (423) 843-2525. Share your memories at legacyfuneralhome.com