Jeanette "Jan" Stanford

Jeanette Lillion (Ballachino) Stanford, 95, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in Hoosick Falls, NY and has reunited with her late husband of 51 years Richard P. Stanford. Jeanette was born in Hartford, CT on September 10, 1929 and was the daughter of the late Andrew and Ella (Edgerly) Mikkelson. Prior to retirement, Jeanette spent her career working in the school system at Penny High School, East Hartford. In her free time, she enjoyed music, dancing, and watching classic movies. Most importantly to her was her family and friends. She cherished every moment she had with them.

Jeanette is survived by her two children, Richard “Rick” Stanford Jr. of Troy, NY; and Sharon Anne Merzwa and her husband Martin Charles of Virginia Beach. She also leaves her four grandchildren; Tammy Lynn and Marty Jr. and his wife Kimberly Michelle Merzwa of Virginia Beach and Ryan and his wife Ashley and Desiree Stanford of Bristol, CT. Along with nine great grandchildren; Melissa, John, Jeanette, Bennett, Gabriella, Mackenzie, Kaelynne, Brayden and Chaysen, and six great-great grandchildren; Three of Melissa and Jason Keays: Jaiden, Tabitha, Tristen, and three of Mariela and John Rybarczyk: Josiah, Sofia, and Isabella.

A funeral service to honor Jeanette’s life will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 1 pm at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel prior to the service from 11 am – 1 pm. Burial will follow in Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. The Stanford family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Danforth Adult Center, Hoosick Falls, NY for their compassionate care of Jeanette. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com