Obituary of Jean S. Dietze

Jean Sturges DIETZE-Jean Dietze, 83, of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, passed away on April 30, 2014, at Franciscan Oaks in Denville, New Jersey. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio as the adored only child of Hale and Elizabeth Sturges, Jean attended the Laurel School and spent summers in Christmas Cove, Maine, before entering Smith College and spending a memorable junior year in France. Back in Ohio, Jean was swept off her feet by the handsome John Dietze. They married in 1954 and were soon joined by David and Katherine (Wendy). Life brought them to Mountain Lakes in 1963, and they never left. While raising her family, Jean taught school, tutored students on the college boards, sold real estate, and served on the school board. With her engaging mind and broad range of interests, Jean and her many friends saw Broadway shows, debated books, had memorable travels, and never turned down a dinner invitation. A dedicated tennis player at the Mountain Lakes Club and Park Lakes Club, Jean was always proud of her trophies. Jean and John spent their post-retirement summers in her beloved Christmas Cove. In addition to her husband of 59 years and children, Jean is survived by two children-in-law, William Heyman and Claire Toth, and four grandchildren: Erika Kahn, John Courage, William Dietze, and Elizabeth Dietze. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Laurel School, One Lyman Circle, Shaker Heights OH 44122.