Jean Owen Izard died peacefully at home in Rye, New York on August 3, 2023, shortly after her 90th birthday.
Born in Asheville, N.C. on July 25, 1933, she graduated from The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry and Colby College. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Robert A. Izard, and they lived happily together until Bob’s passing in 2013.
A loving mother and “Granny,” she could always be found playing Huckle Buckle Beanstalk with her grandchildren while serving cheeseballs and Lifesavers at her longtime home at 25 Club Road. Mrs. Izard was also an active civic volunteer and athlete, bouncing between the tennis and paddle tennis courts and Twig, Rye Garden Club, school events, and United Hospital meetings, while simultaneously raising her five children.
She was an avid reader, a master needle pointer, and she spent hours in her rose garden which was truly magnificent.
“She loved people and they loved her, although she may have loved her very long list of pets best,” said her family. “A marvelous cook, her table was constantly surrounded by family and friends talking about everything and nothing, laughing, arguing, crying, and always leaving grateful for the chance to have been seated with her there.”
When asked recently what she thought led to such an amazing life, she responded, “I woke up every morning and thought something wonderful is going to happen to me today.” And it usually did. She will be dearly missed.
Jean Izard is survived by her five children and their spouses: Robert (Susan) Izard Jr. of West Hartford, Conn., Nancy Engen of Wellesley, Mass., Charles (Kathy) Izard of Charlotte, N.C.; Elizabeth (Dinah) Apelles of Brooklyn, N.Y., and David (Pamela) Izard of Charlotte, N.C.; as well as 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; her extended family; and an enormous network of friends.
A short prayer service for Jean Izard will be held August 27 at 11 a.m. at Manursing Island Club in Rye. Her family will honor her with a celebration of life August 22 at 9:30 a.m. at All Souls Cathedral in Asheville, N. C.
