Jean E. Creitz

Jean Elizabeth Creitz (Hawk), 96, of Wyomissing, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at The Highlands of Wyomissing. She was the loving wife to the late Walter Marsby Creitz II, for 66 years, before his passing on June 23, 2011. Born in Bethlehem, PA, Jean was the daughter of the late Albert L. Hawk, and Mildred E. (Ziegenfuss). Jean was a graduate from Liberty High School. She enlisted in the U.S. Cadet Nursing Program during WWII and graduated from St. Luke’s School of Nursing. Jean had the distinction of being one of the few married U.S Cadet Nurses.

Jean was the CEO, CFO and chief medical officer and loving mother to 4 children. She was proud that all 3 sons achieved Eagle Scout status and her daughter attained a similar award in Girl Scouts. Jean enjoyed going on cruises and traveling with her husband and friends. Jean traveled with her husband during his consulting jobs to Ireland, the Middle East and the Poconos. In addition to living in the Reading and Wyomissing areas, Jean also lived in York (PA) and Naples (FL).

Jean was a strong-willed women and would stand up for her beliefs. While living in the Middle East, her driver wanted to do her banking for her as Walter was in the hospital. She politely told him “absolutely no” and walked right into the bank. She also told the hotel that she was eating in the dining room and not in her room as they strongly suggested. Jean was frequently ahead of her time in her thoughts and actions. Many of her beliefs and ideas are now the accepted norm.

Jean was active in the church and community. She used her nurse’s training to volunteer with various non-profit organizations as well as taking care of her family. Before becoming legally blind, Jean enjoyed playing bridge with her husband and friends as well as gardening and reading.

Jean is survived Richard S. Creitz, husband of Kate, of Four Corners FL, Lexandra Creitz Lepper, wife of Steve, of Ann Arbor, MI and Walter “Chip” M. Creitz III, husband of Jo, of Reading. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Colin, Abigail, Jodi, Jeni and great grandchildren, Dante, Dylan, Anand, Trent, Landon and Cody.

Besides her husband Walter and her parents, Jean was predeceased by her son Gregory James Creitz(1979)

Funeral services for Jean will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Jean’s memory may be made out to The Highlands at Wyomissing to support The Endowment Fund at The Highlands at Wyomissing, Attn: VP of Development and Marketing, 2000 Cambridge Avenue, Wyomissing, PA 19610 or on their website www.thehighlands.org/ways-give

Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com