Jean M. Fornwalt

May 14, 1933-August 6, 2024

Jean M. Fornwalt, 91, Altoona, passed away early Tuesday morning at Garvey Manor Nursing Home.

She was born in Spangler, the daughter of the late Leonard and Ella Mae (Byrnes) Burns. Jean married Richard T. Fornwalt on Aug. 2, 1958, he preceded her in death on Dec. 21, 1997.

Surviving Jean are her three children: Greg Fornwalt, Cathy Miller (Patrick) and Julie Fornwalt all of Altoona; four grandchildren: Rachael Ann Fornwalt, Fr. Athanasius Fornwalt, Matthew Fagan (Courtney) and Tyler Lingafelt (Courteney); and five great-grandchildren: Cooper Fagan, Isla Fagan, Myles Fagan, Averi Lingafelt and Maya Lingafelt.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffry Fornwalt and two brothers: James and Leonard Burns.

Jean was a 1951 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from Seton Hill College.

She retired from the Altoona Hospital in 1995 as the Chief Clinical Dietitian with nearly 30 years of service.

Jean was a member of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.

She had belonged to the American Diabetic Association and the American Dietetic Association.

Jean loved Notre Dame football, her cocker spaniels and most of all, spending time with her family.

She was the matriarch of a close-knit family and a large group of friends she considered family. Affectionately referred to as Queen Jean, her door was always open when you needed a quick chat or to unburden your soul, and she always ensured you left with a smile on your face and a full stomach. She was quick to laugh and quick with her witty sarcasm. Her football knowledge was outmatched by none, especially where her Fighting Irish were concerned. Her Catholic faith was her guiding force and provided much strength and nourishment throughout her life. She brought her family and friends much joy and will be greatly missed.

At Jean’s request, there will be no visitation.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am, Monday, August 12, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, celebrated by her grandson, Fr. Athanasius Fornwalt and concelebrated by Msgr. Stanley Carson. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements are provided by The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.

The family requests, that in lieu of flowers you contribute in Jean’s memory to: Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, 1 Cathedral Square, Altoona, PA 16601 or Central PA Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, Pa. 16602/ www.centralpahumane.org.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.