Jean M. Hinkley

Jean M. Hinkley, 88, a resident of Iroquois Nursing Home in Jamesville, NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026, with her daughters by her side. 

Jean was born in Long Eddy, NY, on August 5, 1937, to Leo and Laura Schmeling.

Jean graduated from Delaware Valley Central School in Callicoon, NY. Jean raised her two daughters in picturesque Hancock, NY. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, dancing, country music, the beach, and was a big Elvis fan. She also loved animals, especially dogs and the plentiful deer of the Southern Tier.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leo J. Schmeling, in 1986, and her mother, Laura (Kern) Schmeling, in 2008. 

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Sandra (Jay) LaBarge of Syracuse, NY, and Theresa Shih of Charlottesville, VA; her granddaughters, Ashley (Billy) Lemoine of Camillus, NY, Kara (Pat Durkin) LaBarge of Amherst, NH, and Alysia Shih of Charlottesville, VA; and her great-grandchildren, Maëva Lemoine, Elodie Lemoine, and Nicholas Durkin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hancock Senior Dining Center, First Baptist Church, 56 Wheeler St, Hancock, NY 13783.

There will be no calling hours. A private burial at a later date will be held at Riverview Cemetery in Hancock, NY.

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