Jean Isabelle Barclay

August 16, 1934-September 4, 2022

Jean Isabelle (Yemm) Barclay, 88, of Fort Myers, FL passed away September 4, 2022. She was born on August 16, 1934, in Harrisburg, PA to the late Harold and Isabelle (Derr) Yemm. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph (Jay) F. Barclay Jr. and is survived by her daughter Karen (Barclay) Robinson (Michael) and son Christopher Barclay (Carolyn) along with grandchildren Joseph Robinson (Brianna), Leighann Robinson, Jordan Barclay and Devon Barclay.

Jean lived an active and full life. She graduated from Penn State University in 1956 with a degree in Education was an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma during her school years along with many other clubs and activities. She met her future husband Jay while at PSU and they were married in 1958 and their lifetime adventure together began.

Jay’s career took them around the country, they lived in homes in Montclair NJ, Los Angeles, CA, Houston, TX, Ft Washington, PA eventually retiring to the Bonita Springs/Ft. Myers FL area. Jean taught 3rd and 4th grades in NJ and in PA with the Upper Dublin School District retiring after 25 years. She loved her students and was known for her impressive handwriting and typing the students’ report cards.

Jean had exceptional organizational skills and she happily managed raising a family, supporting her husband and having a career. She and Jay took great pride entertaining and gathering family and friends in their home. They also had homes in Sea Isle City, NJ where there were many happy times spent as a family. Jean volunteered with the Women’s Club of Suburban Philadelphia and was active at Abington Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir and teaching Vacation Bible School.

As retirement neared, Jean and Jay joined Manufacturer’s Country Club and took up golf. Jean also took on more volunteer work, especially with Abington Memorial Hospital, serving on the Women’s Board and chairing the annual June Fete Fair fundraising event. Jean and Jay retired to the west coast of Florida fulltime, enjoying golf, new friends and having family and friends come to visit. Jean also became involved with the Naples Philharmonic League, the fundraising arm for the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and she received recognition in 2003 from Gulfshore Life Magazine as one of the Women of the Year for her contributions to this organization.

Jean was the organizer of fun. She planned amazing trips, parties and events. When the grandchildren visited in Florida, they received days filled with bike rides, golf, tennis, swimming, donuts, ice cream, movies, games and chasing lizards.

Alzheimer’s took over and Jean was moved into Shell Point for full time care. We have been missing her ever since.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. A memorial service will be planned for a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/fort-myers-cremation for the Barclay family.