Jean M. Sowash, age 96, recently of Port Matilda, died January 7, 2024.  Born on October 8, 1927 in Camden, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Francis McKenna and Catherine (McCaskey) McKenna. On September 9, 1950, she married James Sowash who preceded her in death.

Jean was raised in Drexel Hill, PA and attended Seton Hill College in Greensburg, PA graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1949. Working in her field for several years and starting a family, a career move landed them in State College in 1965. After working many years as a Library Clerk at Penn State, Jean retired in 1986.

Jean was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. She enjoyed many hobbies such as sewing, knitting, cake decorating and playing bridge. Jean was known for her cake decorating skills, she made many birthday, wedding and special occasion cakes for many people. Jean played in a bridge group for many years and her love of bridge playing lead her to teaching bridge at a local Senior Citizen Center.

Two sisters preceded her in death, Patricia McKenna and Mary Powers.  She is survived by seven children, Greg Sowash of Elgin, South Carolina, Jeanette Copeland and her husband Rick of Huntsville, Alabama, Jeff Sowash and his wife Barbara of Penna Furnace, PA, Steve Sowash and his wife Cindy of Finksburg, Maryland, Gary Sowash and his wife Lori of Bellefonte, PA, Terree Michel of Port Matilda, PA and Matt Sowash of Englewood, Colorado, 21 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. Jean was very proud of her family, she loved the family gatherings, seeing pictures of the all the kids and hearing about the family happenings.

The family would like to thank the staff at Celebration Villa for their love and care and also to the staff at Mt. Nittany Medical Center.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring with Interment at Centre County Memorial Park at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean's memory can be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 867 Gray's Woods Blvd, Port Matilda, PA  16870.  An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com.