Jean Teske Obituary

Jean Oakley Teske passed away peacefully at her home on December 16, 2024. She was 99 years old.
A resident of Fishkill for more than 70 years, Jean was born on 8/28/25 in the Bronx, New York to George and Ada Oakley. For most of her childhood, Jean, and her two older brothers George and Richard, were raised in Pleasantville, New York by her mother, Ada.
Jean graduated from Pleasantville High School (1943) and attended the New Jersey College for Women (now Douglass College) on a scholarship, and graduated in 1947. She and Emil Teske were married on 7/16/49 and moved to Poughkeepsie, New York where Jean worked as a social worker. They moved to Fishkill and raised three children. Jean worked part-time for the Southern Dutchess YWCA when her children were at home. She went back to college at Marist and earned a Masters degree in public administration in 1985. She worked at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh for 26 years retiring as Director of Continuing Education in 2001, at age 75.
Jean was a member of Fishkill Reformed Church for decades and served on several committees over the years. She loved to cook and entertain. Jean enjoyed traveling, especially cruises to the Caribbean islands, as well as trips to Hawaii, Ireland, Spain, and Finland. Jean played bridge, did many crafting activities, and completed countless jigsaw puzzles. She enjoyed playing tennis and watching football. In her retirement years, she also enjoyed word puzzles and games to keep her mind sharp.
Jean was a proud number of the "greatest generation" that grew up through the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II. During the war, she served as a volunteer "spotter," watching to make sure that enemy aircraft were not encroaching on American air space.
She was predeceased by her husband, Emil W. Teske (1977) and her son, Richard E. Teske (2024). She is survived by daughter, Janet Teske Phipps (spouse Jerry), son Paul E. Teske (spouse Kim), six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Jean was active in the lives of her grandchildren and had the opportunity to meet all her great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Jean's life will be held on Saturday March 15 at 1:30 pm, at the Fishkill Reformed Church, with a reception to follow in the church hall.
We, Jean's family, would like to thank all those who were friends to Mom in her later years. Special blessings and thanks to Bonnie and Victor, Jody and Jeanne, and JanCare Home Care Services especially aides, Letitia and Maxine. And also heartfelt thanks to all the professionals and volunteers from Hospice of Dutchess and Ulster Counties who cared for her so well.
Suggested donations in Jean's name can be to the Fishkill Food Pantry, Hospice of Dutchess and Ulster Counties, and Mount St. Mary College.