Jean Segnit

Jean Segnit (1926–2026)

Jean Scott Segnit was born on March 24, 1926, in South Shields, England, to Edward and Elizabeth (Williams) Scott. She passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, at the age of 100.

Jean spent her childhood with her parents and younger brother, Edward (“Ted”), in England, primarily in the London area before settling near Southampton, where she finished school and worked as a bookkeeper. It was during World War II, at a USO dance, that she met a handsome young American, Robert (“Bob”) Segnit, a First Officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine. What began as a transatlantic courtship eventually brought Jean to America, where they married on June 14, 1947, in Peekskill, New York. Jean's parents joined her in America in 1958. In 1976, during America's Bicentennial year, all three proudly became U.S. citizens.

Jean and Robert made their home in Buchanan, New York. They shared 55 years of marriage until Bob's passing on August 1, 2002. Together they raised five children: Robert S. Segnit, M.D. (Patricia), of San Diego, California; Gregg (the late Bonnie), of Buchanan, New York; Deborah Levine (David), of Ithaca, New York; Bruce (deceased); and Brian (Mary), of Fairport, New York. Jean was also a loving grandmother to twelve and great-grandmother to fourteen. Her nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family were also important parts of her life. Following Bob's passing, Jean moved to Fairport, New York, where she spent the rest of her years.

Jean’s life was filled with family, laughter, and an enduring love for those around her. She took great joy in the everyday things, especially spending time with those she loved. She and Bob enjoyed family vacations to Wildwood, NJ, time at their place in the Catskills, and cross-country adventures in their motor home. Jean often joked that her "second happiest day" was the day they sold their wooden cabin cruiser! In their early years of retirement, Jean and Bob traveled the world as couriers and loved spending time watching their grandchildren grow. Jean’s faith was also important to her; she was a longtime member and treasurer of the Peekskill Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Throughout her life, Jean enjoyed remarkably good health and independence. She loved staying active and was rarely one to sit still, always finding something to do around the house or in the yard. She continued cutting her own grass well into her mid-90s. Jean had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. Her family will especially remember her priceless reactions to jokes and the occasional family prank. Jean was genuinely sweet and kind. She made everyone feel welcome and cared for, and her family simply loved being around her. Her unmistakable English accent was something everyone knew and loved to hear.

Jean’s family will gather privately at Hillside Cemetery in Peekskill, New York, where Jean will be laid to rest alongside Robert and her parents.

We are grateful for the many years we had with her and the memories we will always carry with us.