Jean Chance

Jean Marie Chance
April 3rd, 1959 - September 4th, 2026

Jean Marie Chance was an ever devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and neighbor to all. She passed away from cancer complications on the morning of September 4th, 2026, in Gainesville, FL.

Jean was born on April 3rd, 1959 in San Antonio, TX, to parents Lucille “Lu” Hennessy and William “Bill” Muscarella. She was the third of five children, all of whom were born in various locations around the world as the family relocated during their father, Bill’s, military career. Her father tragically passed away from cancer when Jean was 16 years old. She and her three sisters and brother demonstrated the preserving bonds of the Muscarella family; keeping traditions alive, and creating new ones through reunions, weddings, birthdays, adventures, and beach vacations.

Jean went to many different schools throughout her education but graduated from Evans High School when her parents settled down in Orlando, Florida after her father’s retirement from the military. There she became acquainted with another Air Force “brat,” Richard “Rick” Chance, whose family also retired in Orlando. While Jean was in the process of earning her Associates of Arts in Education, she modeled and had aspirations to move abroad to Paris to model professionally. Jean and her high school acquaintance, Rick Chance, were set up on a blind date by mutual friends. Jean and Rick knew they “were the one” two weeks after their first date, but Rick waited a month out of respect for Jean’s mother to propose. The two were happily wed on May 17th, 1980, and started expanding their family with the births of Ryan Joseph, Nathan Joseph, and Evan Michael. Jean attended cosmetology school during Ryan and Nathan's early years, as well as attending night school in pursuit of her Bachelors in Education. The family continued growing with the adoption of Rayne Wenjing, Lynette Marie, and Zachary Daniel.

Jean was a lover of knowledge and an educator at heart. She taught high school math at the Rock School while Ryan, Nathan, and Evan were enrolled. She tutored the elementary levels and directed the high school levels of the homeschool Co-op, “Classical Conversations”, while Rayne, Lynette, and Zach were involved. Jean’s favorite subject to teach was natural science because of her deep respect and admiration of nature. Her daily routines included welcoming the serene sunrise with scripture and coffee to marveling at the moon outside her bedroom window; inspiring this love of nature in her children.

Jean enjoyed coordinating family gatherings, most famously, hosting Thanksgivings at the Dance Hall. This truly joyous and thankful event was fondly anticipated by the whole family each year.

Raised in the Catholic church, Jean was a faithful believer and found strength in her relationship with God and other faith community members. Her hope was that all would experience the grace and love of Christ. She was a light in her prayer groups, bible studies, mentorships, and her beloved friendships with the Jewels and the Ya-Yas.

Jean was preceded in death by her father William Joseph, mother Lucille Helene, her sister Diane Dorothy, and brothers in-law Rich Gross and Tristram Scott Barnard.

She is survived by her husband Rick; sisters Carol (and Vince) Edman and Ann Marie Barnard; brother Tom (and Tammy) Muscarella; children Ryan (and Lori), Nathan (and Laura), Evan (and Chia-Hsin), Rayne (and Vette), Lynette, and Zachary; 4 grandchildren; uncle Joseph Hennessy; several nieces and nephews; and cousins.

Burial will take place at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery in Gainesville, FL. Attendance by family and by invitation. A celebration of life is planned for October 30th at the Rock Church of Gainesville, 10901 W. Newberry Rd at 6pm. More details to be announced.

Please consider donating your time and/or finances to PCCC: https://www.prairiecreekconservationcemetery.org/support-pccc