Obituary of Jean S Donofrio

Jean Donofrio (nee Zaleski), 89, of Wayne, passed away on March 7, 2025. She was born in Jersey City on October 30, 1935, daughter of the late John and Frances (Wernicka) Zaleski. She is predeceased by her husband of 70 years, John Donofrio.

After marrying the love of her life in 1954, Jean resided in Jersey City and spent her days working as a seamstress. She was a parishioner of St.Joseph's Parish in Jersey City, where she was an active member of the Rosary Altar Society. After moving to Paterson in 1977, Jean became a member of St. Bonaventure's Parish and continued her church and school service. Although she was a homemaker for most of her life, she spent her later years working in the Return Items Department at PNC Bank, and then as a receptionist for Bohren's Moving Company.

Jean had a passion for life. She loved taking trips to Atlantic City, accompanying friends to "Polka Weekends", and singing aloud to her favorite songs. Jean would join John in calling each of their children annually to sing "Happy Birthday", a tradition that will be truly missed. She loved the New York Yankees, particularly Derek Jeter, whom she affectionately referred to as "son". Her greatest love, however, was her family. Jean was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an integral part of the lives of her children and grandchildren, present at every event and occasion to offer support, a smile, and the loudest cheer! She also enjoyed entertaining, graciously welcoming everyone into her home and making sure the food was always plentiful! She often said she was happiest when all of her children were gathered together.

Jean was the cherished mother of Debra Murphy and her husband Edward, Jeanann Tulpan and her husband Ted, Nancy Nieradka and her husband Ken, and the late Kathryn Donofrio. She was the treasured Grammy of Christopher Murphy and his wife Ann, Thomas Murphy and his wife Allison, Steven Murphy and his fiance Jocelyn, and of Billy, Jamie, and Stephanie Tulpan. She was the great-grandmother of Sarah and Tess Murphy and of 8 four-legged grandpups.

Jean was the dear sister of Walter Zaleski and late siblings Ted Zaleski, Mary Kaszuba, Sophie Swierzynski, Frances Hrycenko, Sadie Karcewski, Loretta Fugaro, and Irene Mayer. She was the dear sister-in-law of Ralph Donofrio, Louise King, Carol Donofrio, and the late Michael and Gabriel Donofrio. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 9:30 AM. Funeral mass to follow at St. bonaventure R.C. Church, Paterson at 10:00 AM. Entombment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum, Totowa. Friends may visit on Thursday, March 13, 2025 From 4:00-8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.