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Jean L. Behrens, 80, a resident of the Winds at Mattern Orchard Assisted Living in Duncansville, formerly of Trenton, N.J., passed away peacefully on Saturday after an extended illness. She was born in Yankton, S.D., the daughter of Clayton R. and Faith W. (Frost) Behrens.
Jean was a 1963 graduate of Bound Brook High School in Bound Brook, N.J. After high school, she attended Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, and then received her bachelor's degree at the University of Illinois.
Jean went on to earn her master's degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin.
The skills that she learned throughout her education prepared her for a long career as an economist for the state of New Jersey until her retirement in 2015.
Jean is survived by her brothers, Rich Behrens (Chris) of Tyrone and Sheridan Behrens of San Rafael, Calif.; and her beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews that Jean cared for so deeply.
She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, John Berg; and niece, Lara Behrens.
Jean enjoyed traveling, hiking, reading and politics. She was an avid Penn State football fan and was so proud of the time that she got to talk to Joe Paterno on his weekly radio show and he successfully implemented her recommendation for the following game.
Her most cherished memories were with her family. Whether it was vacations in Cape Hatteras, trips to her grandparents' cottage in Blairstown, N.J., visiting her mom and stepdad in Martinsburg, W.Va., hiking the Grand Canyon with Rich or spending the holidays in Pennsylvania, she savored every moment that she got to spend around those she loved.
Jean's legacy of caring for her family and friends will live on in everyone that knew and loved her.
Friends and family will be received from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona, with Pastor Rich Behrens officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jean's name may be made to the American Cancer Society at (donate.cancer.org).
thegoodfuneralhomeinc.com