Jean E. Lemieux, 83, of Freedom, PA, passed away on November 5, 2026, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on April 7, 1943, she was the daughter of the late John and Catherine Gumpher and was born in Rochester, PA.
Jean served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War from 1962-1964. While serving she had the privilege to work with Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the father of the modern US Naval Nuclear Power Program and received the rare opportunity to take a cruise on an operational Submarine, the USS Requin (SS-481). When the Requin was retired from service and transformed into a museum at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, PA, it became a regional Base for the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Little did Jean know that after she separated from the Navy and returned to Pittsburgh, she would have the unique credentials of being the only woman to have gone to sea for a day-cruise on Requin. Jean joined the USS Requin Base as an Associate Member and was embraced with open arms by the regional Submarine Veteran community. Her presence at their monthly meetings was unforgettable due to her distinct and storied career involving the Navy and her very special relationship with the USS Requin.
As a member of the Submarine community, she often would give talks and presentations at the American Legion and VFW both in Baden, PA. Jean was stationed at the Washington Naval Yard in Washington, DC and during that time she had the honor of being part of President John F. Kennedy’s funeral procession in Washington, D.C.
Jean was an 8-year-member of the American Legion Post 641 (Baden) and was very active in the Veteran community.
After her time in the Navy, she moved to Economy Boro where she resided with her son Timothy who was the light of her life until he passed in August of 2018. She was employed with Chrysler for over 25 years, working in their billing and accounting offices. Later, she worked for Retail Data Systems in their billing department. Jean lived a full lifestyle, whether it was serving her community, spending time outdoors, feeding and loving all animals or sitting down to read a book or watching a movie. She was an exceptional woman with a kind heart and loving soul that will forever be missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
She is survived by her cousins, Patricia Junker (Tom) and Debbie Marze, and her close friends, Sheri and Greg Lopuchovsky.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son, Timothy Lemieux; her brother, Russel; his wife, Alma; and their son, Russel Gumpher Jr.
Please join us to Celebrate Jean’s Life at the following services:
A Graveside Committal Service with Military Honors will be held at 1:00PM, Thursday, November 19, 2026, at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville.
A luncheon will be held at 1:00PM, Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Baden American Legion Post 641 located at 271 State Street Baden, PA 15005
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. ATTN: WHMW Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 504, Boone, IA 50950.
Arrangements are being handled by Turner-Hyde Funeral Home & Cremation Services located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.
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