Jean Smith Werner

Jean Smith Werner, 83, of Kissimmee, FL, passed away January 21st, 2026, with her family lovingly at her side. Jean was born January 20, 1943, in New Germany, PA. Preceded in death by parents, Thomas and Cecelia (Shero) Smith; and sisters, Irma Welsch and Ruth Sims.

Survived by her husband of 57 years, Stanley Werner; sons, Brian (Jen) and Doug (Bernadette); beloved granddaughters, Miranda and Sophia; siblings, Donald (Theresa), Kenneth, Raymond (Gail), Sharon Rickels (Mike), and Annette Ridenour (Jerry); and many friends and extended family.

Jean first and foremost was kind, gentle, friendly, quick-witted, and loving to all who knew her. Jean grew up in New Germany and graduated as valedictorian of the South Fork High School class of 1960. She often shared stories of her young adulthood when she enjoyed going out on the town, with polka music and dancing as highlights. After graduating from high school, Jean attended beauty school and worked for a year saving up enough money to put herself through college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she studied mathematics. Jean went on to graduate studies at Pennsylvania State University where she met Stan, and soon afterwards they married and settled down in Mansfield, PA, where they started their family. Professionally, Jean worked in both industry as a computer analyst at Corning Glass Inc., as well as academia, where she was an associate professor of mathematics at Mansfield University for over 17 years. A life-long learner, she returned to Penn State and earned a PhD in mathematics education. As retirement years approached, Jean and Stan became “snowbirds” with their southern roost in the Solivita community in Kissimmee, FL. Jean was a talented artist and quickly joined the community Artisan Guild, creating numerous paintings and sculptures, filling her home, as well as her family members’ homes, with art. Jean also had an eclectic interest in music, including polka, country-western style and Bruce Springsteen. After permanently settling in Florida, Jean and Stan traveled regularly. Jean especially loved get-togethers with family and friends, doing jigsaw puzzles, weekly book club and Canasta games, playing Mahjong on her tablet, and watching her granddaughters’ musical performances. A recent highlight was walking her son, Doug, down the aisle at his wedding to Bernadette.

Jean’s 1960 yearbook entry captures her essence at one moment in time: “Tall, National Honor Society, New Germany lass, pretty hair, loves to make speeches?, physics whiz, ambition is to discover an ambition, champion wrestler in gym class, blushes beautifully.”

A graveside service will be held Thursday May 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Germany.

Local arrangements by Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork.