Jean Greeney Hilton

OSWEGO -Jean Greeney Hilton passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025, at the age of 91.  A lifelong resident of Oswego, she was born Jean S. Greeney (also known as Sister Greeney), to John and Julia Greeney.

Jean lived her entire childhood on East Second Street, across from the Oswego River.  She was a tomboy, a strong swimmer, and could outrun all of her four brothers.  Jean was a devoted sister to John, Jimmy, Bucky, and Dick Greeney. She married her first boyfriend, Robert V. Hilton, in 1954, and began her marriage living with Bob’s parents, Paul and Addie May Hilton.  Her mother-in-law embraced Jean and taught her how to cook, clean, sew, and eventually care for her first baby.

Together Jean and Bob had five children, Lynda Howard, Patti West (Tom), Bob Hilton (Debbie), Karin Hilton, and Amy McKean (former son-in-law Wally McKean).  Jean had 12 grandchildren, James, Kate, Ryan, Tim, Thomas, Matthew, Sara, Nathan, Conner, Aidan and was preceded in death by grandchildren Robert Hilton and Emilie Slight, and 16 great-grandchildren, with her youngest granddaughter just born in March, being named in her honor.

Jean learned to be a caregiver at a young age.  As a boy, her brother Neil “Bucky” had a severe speech delay.  He waited for Jean to go to kindergarten so that she could interpret his needs, and help him along in the classroom.  This paved the way for Jean to feel the most content when she was being helpful and assisting others.

Jean was employed by the State of New York, working in the Oswego County Courthouse for 35 years.  She began her career as a stenographer for Judge Stacey, in 1952.  She retired as Court Reporter, in 1988.  She was an active member of the Oswego Republican Party for many years.

Once retired, she enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas with her husband and close friends, Mort and Charlie Demm.  Later, there were more trips to the Turning Stone, where the slots were her favorite. Jean was a gifted seamstress, sewing all of her daughter’s prom dresses and many Halloween costumes.  She enjoyed the sunshine, her perennial gardens, and painting.  You could often find Jean with her scroll saw on the side porch where she created adorable wooden crafts, which she gifted to everyone she loved.  Jean was passionate about her home, keeping it decorated beautifully.  She was a friendly neighbor, welcoming anyone in for a cup of coffee.

The real highlight of Jean’s life was her beloved grandchildren.  She welcomed and loved 9 grandsons and 3 granddaughters.  Jean was an involved grandma, attending ball games, school recitals, all the birthday parties, graduations, and later weddings.  Jean became an avid Detroit Red Wings fan when her oldest grandson became a goaltender there.  She took fun trips with with family to Detroit and always tuned into Red Wings games on the NHL network. She knew her grandchildren intimately.  She was always there for them when they needed reassurance and guidance.  Jean also had lasting relationships with her several adored nieces and nephews.

Generous to a fault, living by the words “there but for the grace of God go I”, Jean taught her children that they didn’t need to look far to find someone less fortunate than themselves.  Jean left a lasting impression on anyone who was fortunate enough to meet and know her.

Special thanks to all of the 7th floor staff at the St. Luke Health Care Facility.  Your kindness will always be remembered.