December 6, 1938 - January 11, 2019
Norma Jean Gary, 80, of Fort Thomas, KY, passed away on Friday, January 11, 2019. She was the Academic Director for the School of Criminal Justice in the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services with the University of Cincinnati. Jean was also an animal advocate, she had a great love for cats. She is survived by her daughter: Missy (Steve) Buechel; grandchildren: Hannah Buechel and Abigail Buechel and sister: Georgia Wise. Services for Jean are private. Memorials are suggested to Paw Prints NKY.com or to Paw Prints NKY, P.O. Box 6488, Florence, KY 41022. For online condolences please visit Facebook or www.connleybrothersfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
I had the sincere pleasure of working with Jean for over 20 years. No matter how bad my day, Jean could always bring a smile to my face. My best memories will be laughing with her and commiserating about being some of the few Kentuckians at UC. Rest in peace Jean.
I first met Jean in a professional capacity many years ago. She was an extremely knowledgeable and deeply caring adviser–so much so that she was interviewed by Time Magazine regarding teacher education. She was also a kind and caring friend who asked not only “how are you?” but also “how is everybody else in your life?” Jean is deeply missed, and I send my condolences to her family.
OH how your sweet presence will leave a deep void in my heart and so many others. Jean my friend you were always a loving and caring soul who always could make me smile upon entering the room! You were a careful listener and your insightful wisdom and advice was always helpful. It was an immense “JOY” knowing you for so many years. Your strong work ethic and dedication to UC was so admirable! Your kindred spirit made an immense impact on my life. “THANK YOU” for taking interest in my creative journey and for being such a strong admirer and supporter of my business over the years. It was an honor to share my creativity with you both in and out of the class room.
May you rest ever so peacefully my dearly loved friend…HUG!!!
Jean was the nicest and kindest person I have ever known. She was my supervisor for a few years. I used to tease her and tell her that the only negative thing I could ever say about her as a boss was that she was too nice! We stayed in contact after I left her dept. and became good friends. She would go with me to the CCM events and I would treasure the time we spent together. I, along with many people, will miss her. She was a warm, kind, and genuine person.
I am part of the feral cat group that fed the cats for years. Jean was so generous. We celebrated Jean’s 80th birthday at our friend Linda’s home. Jean made me a beautiful Christmas tree and gave me a bottle of wine. I went to her office to pick it up. I cannot tell you how much joy it gave me over the holidays. I kept meaning to email Jean and did not. I hope she knows how much joy she gave all of us. She was so kind and always so generous. May she rest in peace and my sincere condolences to all of you.
I worked in CECH and knew Jean as a colleague in the college. I was also one of the ladies that helped feed the feral cats at UC. We will all miss Jean tremendously–she was a great colleague, friend, and role model. She will be missed by so many. Please know that I will keep Jean and all of you in my thoughts and prayers.