Jean McDaniel (nee Czekaj), age 80, of Portage, IN, passed away at home on Monday, May 8, 2023.

Jean was born on December 20, 1942 in Hobart, IN to the late Marion and Angela (nee Krystek) Czekaj. Jean married Leon McDaniel on October 29, 1960 and spent 61 loving years together. Jean was a homemaker and was very devoted to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed cleaning, reading, and cooking. Jean was famous for making her delicious pierogi. She was a great listener and a dear friend to many. Jean was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in South Haven. Jean loved her family deeply and enjoyed being with them. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Jean is survived by her children: Thomas (Nancy) McDaniel, Kathleen McDaniel, and Tracy (Douglas) Snider; 5 grandchildren: Amanda Boldin, Zachary (Savannah) Snider, Paige Snider, Alison McDaniel, and Madalyn (Logan) McKenney; great-grandchildren: Harrison and one more on the way; and several nieces and nephews.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband: Leon; parents: Marion and Angela; numerous brothers and sisters.

Family and friends may gather at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, (600 W Old Ridge Rd., Hobart) on Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 4:00-5:00 P.M. A funeral service will take place immediately following visitation at 5:00 P.M. with Deacon Dennis Guernsey officiating. Jean will be laid to rest at a later date at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jean's name may be made to Cancer Research or Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.