Jean Bongartz

Jean Bongartz was born on October 30, 1923 in Glen Ridge New Jersey. Her parents were Henry and Alva Bowen. She grew up in Glen Ridge with her parents, her sister Lois and her brother Dave, graduating from Glen Ridge High School in 1941. She went on to become a professional model, most prominently with the Spiegel Company. She greatly enjoyed her years of travel and adventure while working as a model. On July 20, 1948 she married Ferdinand "Nundy" Bongartz and relocated with him to Winhall, Vermont, where they ran the Skylight Ski Lodge, built by Nundy and his partner Frank Burns. After a few years they sold their interest in the lodge, shifted their focus to Manchester Woodcraft and moved to Manchester, where they lived the rest of their lives. She was active in many local and state organizations.Jean was predeceased by her parents, her husband Nundy, her daughter Judy and her brother Dave. She is survived by her sister Lois, her children, Dulce Bird, Lauren Downey, Seth Bongartz, Jennifer Foster and Melissa Ross, as well as her grandchildren and great grandchildren.She was an active woman with many friends. Healthy until the last few weeks of her life, she was always the last to leave a party.For those wishing to make a charitable contribution in her name, the family recommends Manchester Health Services (P.O. Box 1224, Manchester Ctr, VT 05255), a place she volunteered for many, many years.There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.