Obituaries
Jean Royer, 89
January 16, 2022
Jean Royer, 89, passed peacefully on January 16, 2022. “I want to be with Dad (Fred, her beloved husband of 54 years) up there. He worked hard to make it to 79. My goal was to live ten years longer,” she told her three children, Debbie Diller of Bethlehem, Sandy Lausch (Gary) and Doug Royer of Lititz, last week. And that she did! She left this earth quietly on a snowy afternoon with a full moon just after her 89th birthday.
Jean was born and raised in Lititz and loved her home. She enjoyed decorating for every season, rotating her collections of snowmen, hearts, Easter bunnies, Americana, pumpkins, turkeys, and Santas throughout the year. Jean was fiercely independent and continued to live on her own in that house for 67 years. She was adamant about staying there and was able to do so with the help of her family, especially Sandy and Gary.
Jean was a member of the Lititz High School Class of 1950 and was in the Queen of Candles court. She faithfully participated in many events with her classmates over the years. Jean worked at Hershey & Gibbel and walked to work in high heels every day in the early 1950s. She loved fashion! In the 1970s she worked as a saleslady at Trudi K, a dress shop in Lititz, and took great pride in decorating the large store windows monthly. Even in her later years, Jean dressed up and did her hair and makeup every single morning. When admitted to the hospital for a brief stay last week, she asked the nurses for her makeup and was delighted when they helped her put on lipstick.
Jean is survived by her sister, Shirley George (J. Richard) of Manheim, as well as her three children and her son-in-law. Jean has six grandchildren: Michael Lausch (Aimee) of Lititz; Jeffrey Lausch of Reading; Jon Diller (Brittany) of Katy, TX; Kacey Royer (Sarah) of McKinney, TX; Jessica McIntosh (Nick) of Naples, FL; and Catrina Royer of Knoxville, TN. Jean has five great-grandchildren—Caden, Brady, and Ava Lausch, and Chloe and Colton Diller. She loved her nieces and nephews, too.
Jean was a member of Lititz United Methodist Church and dressed the children’s choir there for 25 years. She enjoyed shopping, crafting, and cooking. There was always a freshly baked cake in the cakepan on top of the refrigerator in her kitchen. Jean loved casinos—all the bells and whistles. She loved to dance, especially jitterbugging with Fred.
Jean had a strong mind and wit through her final day. She made every decision about her last days with an unfaltering spirit. She was clear, communicative, level-headed, and thrifty. Her recipe for a long life was to get up but not too early, dress in full hair and makeup, eat cheese and pretzels, nap, and have dessert every night. It worked!
Jean was the family historian and told stories until her last day about things the rest of us couldn’t remember. She could tell you the childhood nicknames of old friends and neighbors. If asked where something was in her house, she knew its exact location and the story behind it. She could even give details on outfits she’d worn for specific occasions decades ago. Jean was blessed—with a sound mind, a creative spirit, a body that lasted quite a long time, and loved ones who surrounded her during her lifetime.
Unsurprisingly, Jean asked that there be no funeral. She will be interred at Indiantown Gap alongside the love of her life. Donations were important to Jean, and she gave generously to all who asked. She has calendars and notepads to prove this fact. Donations in her honor can be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation. In addition, her family will place a bench in her memory in Lititz. In Jean’s words, “My memories were my treasures.” And Jean was a treasure to all who met her.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
March 04, 2022
My family lived just a few doors down from “miss Jean” for year’s. She was always incredibly kind, and patient with the rowdy kids down the street. we enjoyed her sass and personality, and she always knew the history behind things in town. She was an amazing woman.
February 07, 2022
Debbie, Sandy and Doug,
We want to let you know how sorry we were to read of Jean’s passing. She was a peach….always enjoyed seeing her in the pharmacy, and she was always so eager to “catch us up” on news of her family. Her obituary captured her essence beautifully. Peace to each of you, Brenda and Jeff Eshelman
February 06, 2022
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I remember meeting her at least once And I just remember such a happy person. Deepest sympathies to you Deb and the rest of your family
January 26, 2022
I have truly enjoyed knowing and treating your mother over a number of years. She was one of the most positive people I have known and always brightened my day when I saw her. When I read her obituary, I could hear her say”my memories are my treasures “. She passed that on to me and I have used it to console others during their difficult times thanks to her. Just last week I was able to pass that along to the wife of my high school track coach who died of cancer and I couldn’t wait to tell her that on her next visit. I will truly miss her and will keep you all in my prayers.
Tom Herrmann, DPM
January 24, 2022
Doug and all family:
We moved here from out of state and knew no one. I visited the Trudi K shop and met your mother and we chatted every time we saw each other after that. I lost track when your father passed. She made me feel so welcome to Lititz. I was very grateful to her. Am sorry to hear about her passing. Sending my prayers, Gloria Anderson
January 23, 2022
I learned to know Jean when she worked partime for Longenecker’s True Value Store in Manheim, always was very friendly and a kind person. Have not seen her for many years, Jean gave me a novelty in 1989 and I still have it has her name Jean on bottom and date 1989. Rest in peace good friend.
Connie Martin
January 23, 2022
My sincere sympathy on your loss. I hope that you are consoled by all the happy memories you have of your mother, and that you all find peace. Matt Shannon
January 23, 2022
To Jean’s family and friends,
Jean, Fred, Deb, Doug and Sandy were neighbors and good friends to me and all the Helter family on Front Street in my growing-up years. Jean’s porch and home and Fred’s backyard garden were always welcoming spots.
This is a lovely tribute to a most gracious lady. I will continue to think of Jean whenever I drive down Front Street and pass her home.
May your memories, your friends and your faith give you comfort.
God bless you all with His peace and promised hope,
Marsha Campbell
January 23, 2022
Debbie, Sandy & Doug~What a beautiful tribute of your Mother. Although it is difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
January 21, 2022
Deb – Sorry about your mother. It sounds like she had energy and drive to live life to the fullest. My thoughts are with you and your family.
January 21, 2022
We’ll miss you dearly Aunt Jean!
With Love,
David and Ann Royer, Lancaster
January 21, 2022
Peace ,Love,Blessings and Prayers for Jean and her family.
January 20, 2022
Sandy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mother seems to have been a very special lady. I am sure your loss with be deep but your memories of her will be your treasures. Hold them tight.
Sending thoughts and prayers,
Janet Booth
January 20, 2022
Debbie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What an incredible woman your mom must have been. She was a tremendous example for you I’m sure. Much love as you move through this time of grief. Be with those you love and those that love your mother dearly.Tell stories and share the best memories as you comfort one another. May God keep you all in his comfort and peace.
