LOVERN – Jean (nee Curry)

March 8, 2023 age 93 of Derby, NY. Beloved wife of the late John J. Lovern. She was predeceased by her parents Wilson and Dorothy (nee Kennedy) Curry, son Michael J. Lovern and sisters Elma Curry and Joan (nee Curry) Thornton.

Jean was raised by foster parents Morris and Mary Thomas of Holland, NY. From the age of 5 she attended the Thomas Indian School on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. She graduated from Niagara Falls High School. In 1978, at the age of 48, she received a BS Degree from SUNY Buffalo and in 1981 was awarded her Master’s degree in Native American Studies summa cum laude.  She was an Elder in the Seneca Nation of Indians, Turtle Clan and shared her life experiences.  Previously she worked for Trico and as an alteration seamstress for the Sample Store.  She is known for creating exceptional “Indian lace” seed-bead necklaces.  Her deep-rooted love of animals and their welfare was one of the many hallmarks of her life.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed solving word puzzle books, as well as constructing many jigsaw puzzles and she had been an avid swimmer.   She was endowed with the true spirit of being a Native American with a deep understanding of the Spirit of the Creator. Jean’s spirit will live on in those who knew her. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory, may be made to Hawk Creek Wildlife Center.  Family and friends are invited to a brief Memorial Service at the Latimore-Schiavone Funeral Home, Inc. 8434 N Main St. Angola, NY on  Wednesday March 22 from 11 - 12 PM with service immediatly following.