Oneonta – Jean M. Defauw, 65, passed away at home on March 5, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.

She was born on May 29, 1958 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Ronald and Edna (Goemaere) Defauw.

Jean spent her early years in Sterling Heights, MI, graduating from Sterling Heights High School.  She continued her higher education at several colleges, earning her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Wayne State University and her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Georgia.

She was employed at Sphinx Pharmaceutical in North Carolina and retired from Elanco Animal Health in Greenfield, IN.

Jean was known for her beautiful garden and landscaping. She enjoyed traveling and was known for her love of animals.

She is survived by her partner, James Pate of Oneonta; her mother, Edna Defauw; her siblings, Carol VonKampen, Brian Defauw, Linda Foran, Susan (Brian) Gregg, Doreen Defauw; her nieces and nephews, Ashley Foran, Robin Defauw, Erika Foran, Andrew Defauw, Kyle VonKampen, Sara Gregg, and Jasper Foran.

She was predeceased by her father, Ronald Defauw.

Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 10 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

The funeral mass will be 10 a.m., Monday, March 11, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Christopher Welch, as celebrant.

Interment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Otego.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society; www.cancer.org

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com