NEWARK -- Jean Ritter Townsend, 72, of Landon Avenue, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, at Clifton Springs Hospital.

Mrs. Townsend was born Nov. 28, 1932 in Geneva, the daughter of the late Harold and Margaret Daly Ritter. She graduated from DeSales High School in Geneva in 1950. Mrs. Townsend worked as a medical secretary in various doctor's offices in the Newark area, including Dr. Washington, retiring in 1986.

Mrs. Townsend was a member of St. Michael Church in Newark, and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, where she served as president for several years. She was also a member of the Newark Country Club. She enjoyed golf, knitting and bingo.

Mrs. Townsend will be remembered by her loving and devoted husband of 52 years, George F. Townsend; sons, Steven (Carolyn) Townsend of North Carolina, Kenneth Townsend and Douglas (Pam) Townsend, both of Newark; daughters, Debra Townsend of Auburn and Darlene (Craig) Lischerelli of Fairport; five grandchildren; brothers, Fred (Bernice) Ritter, Jim (Dorothy) Ritter, both of Florida, and Bob (Jean) Ritter of Geneva; sisters, June Quigley and Pat (Joe) Linehan, both of Geneva; many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Townsend was predeceased by her brother, Bud Ritter; and sister, Audrey Washburn.

Family and friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, at the Norman L. Waterman Funeral Home Inc., 124 W. Miller St., Newark. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, in St. Michael Church, Newark, with the Rev. Bill Darling celebrating the Mass. Burial will follow in East Newark Cemetery.

In memory of Mrs. Townsend, please direct contributions to a charity of one's choice.

Send a memory of condolence by visiting www.watermanfuneralhome.com.