WATERTOWN, NY — Jill Marie Exford, 76, of Ocala, FL, and formerly of Watertown, NY, peacefully passed away surrounded by her children on Aug. 10, 2020, after a brief illness.
Jill, affectionately known as Myrtle, is survived by a daughter, Debbie (Bill) Petrus, Watertown, NY; a son Chris (Laura) Exford, Port St. Lucie, FL; a son, Shawn Exford, Watertown, NY; a daughter, Heather (Frank) Rebro, Ocala, FL; a sister, Joanne Saunders, Christiansburg, VA; a sister Mary Ann LeClair of Watertown, NY; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Carl Exford, parents Maurice and Virginia (Scott) Leonard, and one brother, Richard Leonard.
Jill was born Aug. 10, 1944, in Canton, NY.
She married her beloved Carlie on June 3, 1961, at St Patrick’s Church in Watertown.
Jill spent many years in the service industry. She started her career at The Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs. From there she spent several years in management at
Super Duper, Bachman Potato Chip Company, and Denny’s.
Jill loved to spend time cruising with friends and family. When cruising she could be found people-watching on the Lido Deck or playing the slots in the casino. Jill also enjoyed tracking hurricanes and would often predict the path of a hurricane before the meteorologists.
She enjoyed reading biographies and researching random topics that caught her attention.
Her unique personality and quirky wit made her a favorite to all who met her.
No services will be held at this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hillside Cemetery, 43 North Broad Street, Champion, Jefferson County, New York, 13619.