Jennifer French

Jennifer French

Averill Park Jennifer French, dearly beloved wife of Wayne Metsch, died Thursday, January 23. She was born in Schenectady on January 1, 1950. She was raised in Schenectady, resided for the past 18 years in Averill Park. She graduated from SUNY Empire State (BA), and U at Albany (MS).

She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Wayne B. Metsch, her father, Robert J. French, her mother, Michaela Terney French, four sisters and their husbands, Lynne M. and Robert Ferluge, Christine French and William De Ridder, Katherine J. and Thomas Moran, and Pamela A. and Mark Woythal; four nephews, Marcus and Adam Moran, Dylan and Andrew Woythal, and one niece, Rachel Ferluge.

She was the spirit of life, finding ways to share her boundless energy and enthusiasm for all it had to offer. Now, many times, when family and friends read books, visit special places, concoct a gourmet meal, enjoy gardens, hear music, and love young people, it will bring a smile of remembrance to those who knew her in her different roles. She enriched even those who did not understand why. For her family she was that special person who could elicit love or irritation, though irritation never lasted- with her or them. Generous in every way, she inspired them to explore new ideas to preserve the past and nourish the future. Jen found ways for her loved ones, whether young or old, to enjoy, sometimes vicariously, a journey with her where they might never have ventured. She made friends in places far and near, and valued them without regard to who or what they were. Her husband was her support, her confidante, and her listening board in all they experienced together, always patient, always loving, and always there.

Jennifer led a life that demonstrated her reaching out to many: Over the years she worked as a Group Home Supervisor, Social Worker for Visiting Nurses, Volunteer Coordinator for WMHT, Video Conference Producer, Development Director for Unity House, Consultant to Hospice, and Pastry Chef. She was a member of the Board of the Troy Library Foundation, and former member of the Boards of Planned Parenthood and Joseph's House Shelter; in each of these roles she was recognized for her special contributions and as a lover of people.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass on Monday, January 27th at 11:00 am from St. Henry's Church in Averill Park. Following the service, the family will be receiving friends at La Peria Restaurant at the Gregory House, Route 43, Averill Park until 3 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jennifer's name to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Box E, 1275 York Ave, NY, NY or to Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer 12144

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