Obituary of Jean Ann McAward

Jean Ann McAward, age 91, passed away at her home in Somers, NY, on July 27, 2025. She was born on February 24, 1934 in Flushing, NY, to Jacob Vincent and Gladys Brown Schehr.

On December 26, 1955, she married the only love of her life, Patrick J. McAward, Jr., and together they shared 57 years and raised five children: Patrick Joseph, III (Nancyanne), Michael John SM, Timothy James (Megara), Maura Jean (Cathy), and Kevin Jeremy (Jennifer).  A generation later, Jean welcomed her ten grandchildren: Patrick Joseph, IV, Robert Benedict, Anne Katherine, Andrew Jacob, Erin Rose, Timothy James, Jr., Katherine Mae, Caroline Mary, Mary Elizabeth and Bridget Marie, as well as her six great grandchildren: Victoria Isabelle, John Robert, Ryan James, Charlotte Anne, Patrick Finn, and Liam Robert. Grahmie, as her license plate read, was very proud to have attended nearly all of their Baptisms, First Holy Communions, Confirmations, graduations, weddings, as well as dozens of birthday parties. 

Jean devoted her life to caring for her parents, her husband, and her children. Jean’s life was marked by compassion, generosity, and a sense of purpose rooted in making a positive impact on the lives of those around her. She spent her time, energy, and talents helping family and friends, acquaintances and strangers, showing her commitment to putting their needs before her own. Those who knew Jean felt her zest for life as she expressed herself through spirited costumes, thoughtful gifts, and creating fun-loving events. She radiated joy and happiness to everyone she met. Her family will always cherish the week they spent all together under one roof at “the Castle.”

Jean was deeply committed to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, attending daily Mass, tending to the church linens, serving as an Extraordinary Minister bringing Holy Communion to the sick, and forming lasting friendships within the parish. She dedicated over 20 years volunteering at the Thriftree Shop as part of the Pinetree Twigs of Northern Westchester Hospital. A passionate and skilled quilter, rug hooker, cross-stitcher, and knitter, Jean lovingly created countless handmade treasures for her children, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, not to mention dozens of donated hats and blankets for newborn babies born to those less fortunate. No one was a bigger Notre Dame fan than Mom who dressed in blue and gold as she watched as many televised games as possible.

Jean is survived by her brother Jack Schehr of Jacksonville, Florida and was preceded in death by her brother Robert Schehr.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 am on Thursday, July 31 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 95 Plum Brook Road, Somers, NY. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne.

In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for someone else.