Jean Rathjen, 80, loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Jean was a consummate family woman who always put family first. Born in Buffalo, NY on January 9, 1940, she was predeceased by parents Carmine and Christina Berlingieri. She was separated from her family who remained in Italy during WWll, until she was lovingly reunited with her father and sisters, Antoinette and Stella, at the tender age of 7. She spent her formative years in Brooklyn, NY where she met her beloved husband Christian. Giving to family and friends alike, each Sunday afternoon, the neighborhood kids would line her stoop for the meatballs she perfected weekly in her Sunday sauce. Upon settling in Staten Island in the mid-70s, Jean spent her remaining years surrounded by her immediate and very extended family, all of whom lived within a stone’s throw of the 10312-zip code. There she spent her time dedicated to her children and grandchildren, always helping at a moment’s notice, no task too big or small, lovingly referring to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as her ‘kids’.
Jean was the beloved wife of the late Christian. She is survived by her children Laura Bessler (Thomas), Christian, and Kathleen O’Connor (Michael); her eight grandchildren Christina (Richard), Theresa (Frankie), Kaitlyn, Elizabeth, Meagan, Matthew, Catherine, and Daniel; great-grandchildren Bryant, Liam, and Isabella; late sister Antoinette Scioli (Romano), sister Stella Vitale (late Joseph); her numerous nieces and their loving families, and her dear friends and neighbors whom she considered family. A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at a future date when we can all be together to share all our special memories.
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