Jeanne Medvitz Zell
formerly of Uniontown
Jeanne Medvitz Zell, 68, of East Petersburg, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Lancaster General Hospital. She was born March 28, 1958 in Uniontown, the daughter of the late Leonard B. Medvitz and Dorthea Petruska Medvitz.
Jeanne was the loving wife Gerald “Jerry” Zell, to whom she was married for 45 wonderful years.
Jeanne was a 1976 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School and a 1980 of the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S in Medical Technology.
After graduating, Jeanne worked at Uniontown Hospital for a year. After marrying, Jeanne worked for four years at Seaford Hospital in Seaford, Del. She decided to be a stay-at-home mother to her four children, but remained keenly interested in her profession for the rest of her life, regularly reading publications and discussing it with others in her field.
Jeanne grew up as an avid Steelers and Pirates fan, and continued to be after moving to Parkersburg, W.Va. But, that interest was eventually replaced by a lifelong love for soccer that began as each of her children started to play at a young age. She became very active in the local youth soccer community, eventually coaching both recreational and travel teams. Jeanne also helped to found the River Valley Soccer Club in Parkersburg. She later developed a passion for English Premier League football (the “proper” name for soccer, she would tell you) and was an avid supporter of Tottenham Hotspur, and the U.S. National teams.
Jeanne was also a very active parent supporter of her children’s schools, volunteering as a reader, PTA member, and doing occasional office support. She loved that this enabled her to keep the kids “on their toes” because she usually knew more about what was happening in the schools than they did.
At home, Jeanne loved her garden and cutting the grass. She enjoyed cutting the grass so much that she would never ask the kids to do it. But she did occasionally embarrass them by singing loudly while listening to music on headphones as she ran the mower. Jeanne would even drive to the local soccer fields to cut grass because she got to use the riding mower they had. But, her garden was her passion. She grew garlic, tomatoes, beets, Swiss chard, onions, herbs, eggplant, zucchini, beans, and many other vegetables, often starting them from seed during the late winter. When the tomatoes and beets came in, everyone helped her with canning. She never stopped searching for the “best” sandwich tomato.
Jeanne also enjoyed crocheting and needlepoint, which she would do for hours. Many of her pieces are on display in her home, and her afghans have been keeping the family warm wherever they happen to live for many years.
As the children grew up, Jeanne became very interested in learning to cook new and different things. Some were practical, to find substitutes for the foods she could no longer eat due to her gluten allergy, but most were fun or challenges to make something wonderful. She usually succeeded, setting a high bar for food preparation for the rest of the family.
After retiring, Jeanne and Jerry moved to a 55+ community in East Petersburg, where Jeanne made many friends by joining the Social Committee helping to plan, and often participating in, community events.
Jeanne had a great sense of humor, a joyous laugh, a willingness to help those who needed it, and an unwavering devotion to her family.
Left to cherish Jeanne’s memory are her husband, Jerry; sons, Andrew Zell of Richmond, Va., and Craig Zell (Alina Arapan) of Eagleville; daughters, Renee Zell of E. Petersburg, and Katrina Zell (Justin LeMasters) of Baltimore, Md.; brothers, Richard Medvitz (Joyce) of Uniontown, and John Medvitz of Uniontown; and sisters, Diane Medvitz of Syracuse, N.Y., and Marie Medvitz Wyatt (Wayne) of Pittsburgh.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, INC., 80 Morgantown Street, Uniontown, where family and friends will be received Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. until the time of a blessing service celebrating Jeanne’s life at 2 p.m., with Father Anthony Klimko officiating.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at adferguson.com or on the funeral home Facebook page.