Obituary
Phelps- Jean Ellen Park Naukam, 91, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016.
A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held Sunday (March 20th) at 2 p.m. at the Seeley B. Parish American Legion Post #457 in Phelps. In memory of Jean, please wear bright colors.
Burial in Riverside Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Seeley B. Parish American Legion Post #457, 1346 State Rte. 96, Phelps, NY 14532; or to the Phelps Historical Society, 66 Main St., Phelps, NY 14532.
Jean was born May 3, 1924 in Cortland, NY. She was the daughter of the late John Charles Park and Florence Bergen MacMillan Park. Jean was part of a farm family.
Jean graduated from Cortland High School in 1942. During World War II, she worked at Curtis Wright Airplane Factory in Buffalo, making P-47’s. After the war she worked at Westinghouse in Buffalo, and also as a city cab driver. Later she worked for Bloomer Brothers in Newark.
Jean met her future husband, Robert A. Naukam, at a “breakfast” horseback ride near Buffalo. They married on August 21, 1954, then moved to Boy Scout Camp Dittmer, near Phelps, where Bob was the Ranger.
In 1961, Jean and Bob started Terry-Ho Stables on Wilbur Road. She and Bob were horse trainers and riding instructors for their entire lives. Jean was also a Horse 4-H Leader when her children were in 4-H.
Jean was a member of the Arabian Horse Club, the Way-Ont Saddle Club, Fortune Riders and Farm Bureau. She was member of the U.S. Dressage Federation, the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation and a life-time member of the Western NY Dressage Association. Jean was also a member of Friends of Ganadogan, Ontario Pathways, the Phelps Art Center and the Phelps Historical Society.
Jean is survived by her son, David (Lori) Naukam; two daughters, Sandra (Mark) Case and Donna (Steve) Phillips; four grandchildren, Bradley (Camira) Naukam and Jerad (Linda Vickerman) Naukam, Jessica (Tony) Moringello and Michael (Kristen) Case; grand dog, Tucker; two great-grandchildren, Cole and Prentiss Naukam; sister-in-law, Edith Park; and several nieces and nephews.
Jean was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Robert A. Naukam, who died on May 27, 2002; by her three sisters, Olive Park, Mary “Molly” Harrington and Catharine Fletcher; and by her two brothers, Sam Park and Charles “Doug” Park.