Jean M. (Festa) Chewens, 87, of Baldwinsville, passed away Friday, October 21, 2022 at Francis House.  She was born in Brooklyn, NY, raised in the Bronx and Flushing, Queens.  After marrying, she moved to Syosset, LI where she lived for 51 years.  She retired from GEICO Insurance Co. where she worked as a Claim Representative for 38 years.  Jean also worked as a travel agent for many years.  She would say that being in this type of business changed her life.  It brought her much independence and ignited her love of travel.  She would say "I have to see it to sell it", so off she went.  She was able to travel to faraway places and especially loved her many trips to Europe.  She also made family vacations a priority. Those memories were priceless.  Jean enjoyed reading, baking and cooking. She always enjoyed good food and a nice glass of wine.  She had a quick wit and was a great storyteller. Another one of Jean's many passions was the sights and sounds of NYC and The Broadway Theater, but, most of all, she loved her family, growing up surrounded by her loving parents, her brothers and sisters, and the family stories that never got old.

Jean is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Harold Chewens, a daughter, Cynthia McKenzie, her parents, Nancy and Emanuel Festa, and seven siblings.

Surviving to cherish Jean's memory are her daughter, Laura (Jim) Orlando, a son-in-law, Darryl McKenzie, 3 grandchildren; Allison McKenzie, Jessica McKenzie and Amy (Zach) Manchee, a great-granddaughter, Savannah, along with many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at the Maurer Funeral Home Moyers Corners, 3541 State Route 31, Baldwinsville, NY 13027 with a funeral service to follow at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean's memory may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13208.

Please sign the funeral home on-line guest book for Jean to express your condolences to her family.