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Jean Annie Shook

5/14/2024

21 Comments

 
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    Jean Annie Shook, 69, of Skaneateles, NY, passed away on May 14, 2024 from complications related to cancer. Her special gift was to make everyone around her better, as a nurse, mother, sister, wife, friend and member of the community. Born and raised in Nazareth, PA, Jean earned nursing degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Boston University, Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University. She worked at Hahnemann University and the Medical College of Pennsylvania before moving to central New York in 1989, where she was the Director of Nursing at Benjamin Rush/Four Winds until 2000. She worked as a nurse practitioner in the outpatient psychiatry clinic at Upstate until her retirement in 2022. She was an expert in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and ran Upstate’s DBT clinic until her retirement.
    Jean was an active member of the community, serving in numerous professional nursing organizations and on the boards of the Skaneateles Festival, Skan Races, and St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Camillus. She was a frequent volunteer in Skaneateles schools and at local events and fundraisers. She loved swimming and kayaking at her cherished camp on Skaneateles Lake and enjoyed doing needlework, traveling and cooking for family and friends. She was beloved for her Christmas cookies, which she delivered in person on December 24th every year.
    Predeceased by her brother, Russel Shook Jr., Jean is survived by her husband of 38 years, Chris Johnson; daughter Elizabeth (Libby) Bostain of Owasco, NY; son Lexus Johnson of Philadelphia, PA; granddaughters Rayland Bostain and Sloane Johnson; sisters Susan Heller and Sandra Shook, and many nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service will take place at 4PM on Thursday, May 23rd at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 5108 W. Genesee St., Camillus NY, followed by calling hours in the church’s fellowship hall until 7PM.
    Well-wishers are welcome to attend either or both. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that mourners consider a donation to the Skaneateles Festival (skanfest.org, or 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles NY 13152) or their favorite arts organization.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

21 Comments
Diana and Bernie Grant
5/16/2024 04:09:15 pm

Jean lived one of the fullest and most meaningful lives. A friend to so many and someone you loved standing next to at all her children's games......a very difficult loss this is! Bernie and I send love to all her family!

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Edie Williams
5/16/2024 05:32:36 pm

There are no words to describe the impact of the loss of such an incredible person. Jean was what all of us should be. Giving without expectation. She truly made a positive difference. Treasured forever.

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Michael Miller
5/17/2024 06:04:41 am

I am so very sorry to hear that we have lost Jean. I worked with her for many years, and she was at every moment a beacon of level-headedness, kindness, intelligence and humility. She taught many generations of psychology interns— not just DBT, but how to become a true therapist, beyond any particular technique. I will truly miss her.

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Eric Lui
5/17/2024 08:11:30 am

Life is evanescent, but memories are everlasting. May all the sweet memories Jean helped create stay with all her loved ones forever after.

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Patti Carey
5/17/2024 02:03:25 pm

Jean was someone I always enjoyed bumping into. Her genuine friendship was a gift.

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Marni Millet
5/18/2024 05:46:44 am

I am sorry to hear Jean has passed and offer my condolences. Jean-a huge heart, true healer and my honor to work as colleagues, knowing people I referred would be in her sound hands and spirit of her presence.

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Scott Brodt
5/18/2024 10:23:21 am

Jean was my stand partner playing the clarinet in Youth Band and then high school band, she was my cousin, and she was always at the top of our Class of '72. She was full of life, wisdom, talent, and had a terrific sense of humor. We all miss her dearly here in Nazareth.

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Gale Elder
5/18/2024 07:12:44 pm

Deepest sympathy to you, Chris, Libby, and Lex… I loved getting to know Jean by having Lex in fourth grade. Always with a big smile and easy laugh when she’d volunteer in classroom. We’d stand together and just laugh at the goings on. So supportive of me as a teacher. Whenever we meet up around the village, always time to catch up on Lex’s doings and whereabouts. Such a proud mama of her children. May you find comfort in all your treasured memories. Gale(Mrs.Elder)💕

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Anon
5/20/2024 04:11:41 am

I was shocked and sad to hear of Jean’s passing. I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends, and anyone else who dearly loved her; I know the loss is profound.

Jean was my DBT therapist for about a year before she retired. When she announced her retirement, I immediately burst into uncontrollable tears. I went from totally calm to heavy panicked sobs in the span of 30 seconds. In the moment, I was truly shocked at how her announcement was affecting me, and I felt so embarrassed for reacting that way. What I really wanted to do was tell Jean how happy I was for her and how glad I was to have met and worked with her. She deserved to enjoy her retirement and relax after so much hard work over all her years as a nurse. I realize now that we don’t get to pick and choose what emotions we feel, and sometimes our bodies process information in surprising ways. I know those tears came on so strong because of the huge impact Jean made on my life in such a short time.

The skills Jean taught in DBT group changed me forever for the best. In my adult life, I felt so lost and confused for so long, I thought I’d live in that misery forever. I was carrying so many things that I wanted so badly to let go of, and no matter how hard I tried, the wounds continued to plague me. Jean helped me calm my intense and sometimes crippling anxiety, change my negative thought patterns, handle difficult situations with grace and dignity, and slow down enough to see that the beauty of life is actually all around me. I think I can speak for all her DBT patients when I say Jean was so knowledgeable, welcoming, and sympathetic of our pain. She also gently held us accountable when we didn’t do the work, reminding us that we come to group to be better and that we were always worth fighting for. The work Jean dedicated her life to, no doubt, has saved so many people’s lives, mine included. I will forever be grateful for her for helping me find true peace and joy amid absolute chaos and darkness that seemed infinite. I am a different person now, and a lot of that is thanks to Jean. May she rest peacefully, and may her family find comfort in knowing she will never be forgotten, as she lives on forever in all the lives she touched with her whole hearted kindness. Thank you, Jean.

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Cynthia Gadra
5/20/2024 07:18:03 am

On behalf of myself, Kevin, Claire and Adam, our deepest condolences go out to you all. We have such fond memories of Jean going back 30 years, since our kids were growing up, to recent community events. She always had a smile and took the time to say hello. We will miss her.


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Mary-Kay Foehl
5/20/2024 10:08:22 am

My deepest sympathy to Jean's family. I recently got to know Jean when she started attending the 7:45am water fitness class at the Y/SCC. A lovely person who adored her family. Jean will be truly missed. God's Blessings and peace to your family. Mary-Kay

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Chris Legg
5/21/2024 03:52:14 am

To Jean's family and friends, please accept my condolences at the difficult time. I met Jean as one of the organizers of SkanRaces. Jean melded with the team immediately by seeking ways to cheerfully share her her time and talent wherever needed. She asked questions to best understand and contribute. Her infectious enthusiasm engaged volunteers, especially those with no prior experience as she explained tasks. She offered selfless community service. She clearly valued total health wellness, physical and mental. Thank you, Jean

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Dawn Marie Ryan
5/22/2024 12:54:44 pm

I met Jean at water aerobics in Skaneateles,she always had a smile on the face and was so friendly. Over time we had some nice chats in the pool,sharing stories of our travels and grandchildren.I will always think of her when we do this exercise called Suntan Superman,Jean lifted her leg so high and with such grace,nobody did it better.She will be missed at our class,and for all her family and friends I am so sorry for your loss.

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Sharon Sly
5/23/2024 08:51:32 am

I am saddened for Jean's family that she spoke of so fondly and the time she will not be able to enjoy during her short retirement.
RIP Jean. <3

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Sarah Kelsen
5/23/2024 09:01:04 am

Sending love to the whole family, to you Chris, at this tender junction on your path & may Jean’s genuine open-hearted kindness, her effervescent joy & devotion to service continue to shine on amplified in each of us as she is remembered.

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Tom Schwartz
5/23/2024 05:22:00 pm

From myself and the Dept of Psychiatry, we will miss Jean very much. one of the most kind therapists and colleagues I have ever had the ability to work with. Truly an amazing person.

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Central New York Syracuse Nurses Honor Guard
5/24/2024 05:01:32 am

The Central New York Syracuse Chapter of the National Nurses Honor Guard Coalition wishes to acknowledge the nursing career of Nurse Jean Shook. We honor Jean for the difference that she made in the lives of so many patients and colleagues. Our sincere condolences to you, her family. May the love of family and friends give you comfort. May the love of God give you peace.
Sincerely, CNY SYR Nurses Honor Guard No Nurse is Forgotten

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Catherine Babin
5/24/2024 06:40:05 am

The world has lost one of its finest. Jean was always there for her family, friends, and community. I’ll miss her kindness, intelligence, and her ready laughter. May her memory be forever a blessing to all her family and friends.

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Connie Brace
5/24/2024 08:09:03 am

What an incredible woman. She brought such a spark to anything she touched! I am sure she will be sorely missed but remembered in love. Deepest condolences on your loss.

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Joyce Piatkowski-Behling
5/29/2024 06:50:59 am

I am sorry to read about the loss of Jean. She was a great mentor to me when I was in the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at Upstate. She was a remarkable, knowledgeable, compassionate and kind person. May the Peace of Christ be with you and Jean. God Bless, Joyce Piatkowski-Behling

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Bryan Indelicato
6/2/2024 05:52:36 pm

So sorry to hear of Jeans passing. She was a part of my Saturdays for many years. My sincere condolences.

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