MCCRACKEN - Jean Frances (nee Bancroft) Age 86 passed away on October 26, 2022, at the home of her daughter, Margaret (Meg) McCracken, in Canton, Michigan. Jean was born to Clarence and Marguerite Bancroft on December 27, 1935, in Carthage, NY. After graduating from Carthage High School in 1954, she moved to Buffalo, NY to attend SUNY College at Buffalo, where she graduated in 1959, and later earned a master’s degree in 1971. While attending college, she met her husband, Clyde McCracken, and they were married in 1957. Jean was a Special Education teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools for 32 years, retiring in 1991. After retirement she volunteered at a foster care agency, which eventually led to a second career as an Education Specialist with Hillside Children’s Center, from which she retired in 2010. A longtime resident of the City of Tonawanda, and member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Jean later lived in Grand Island, before moving to Michigan in 2013. Loving mother to her children Margaret McCracken of Canton, MI, Joan (Gary) McGuire of Tonawanda, NY, Ralph McCracken of San Francisco, CA, and daughter-in-law Jennifer McCracken of Batavia, NY, she was also a beloved grandmother to Phillip (Michelle) Dougher of Englewood, CO, Amethyst McCracken of Bergen, NY, Connor McGuire of Rochester, NY, Griffin McGuire of Oakfield, NY, and great-grandsons Quinn and Theodore. She is also survived by her dear sister Mary Jo Diorio, of Enfield, CT, as well as many nieces and nephews. Jean was predeceased by her husband Clyde, as well as her 3 brothers, Jon, Carl, and James, and sister Sheila. Jean enjoyed reading, watching British television dramas, learning more about her family history, and traveling, especially to the Adirondack Mountains. She also loved dogs, especially her most recent companion, Phoebe, who passed just days before her. We know they are walking together again. Jean kept a framed copy of the line “It is in giving that we receive”, from the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, on prominent display. It could be a motto for her life. She gave so much of herself to her family, friends, students, co-workers, and community, and found joy in doing so. She will be dearly missed. We would like to give special thanks to Angela Hospice for their care, support, and compassion for Jean and her daughter over the past two years. A private burial was held by the family at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kenmore, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jean may be made to Angela Hospice of Livonia, MI. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ROTHFUNERAL.com