Jean Nazzaretta DeSandes, beloved wife of the late Armin J. DeSandes, died on June 7, 2018, at the age of 91. Born in Newark, NJ, on October 1, 1926, to Guisseppe and Maria (Zarra) Nazzaretta, Jean attended Barringer High School. Bold and adventurous from a young age, she often played hooky, running off to New York City to see Frank Sinatra and attend Broadway shows. She developed an early love of travel, starting with her first flight to Washington, D.C. and her adventures in Haiti and Cuba. A close friend set her up on a blind date with Armin and they were married in April of 1955. They later settled in Allentown, PA, where they raised their three daughters. Jean worked in the business offices of both A & P and Sears and developed lifelong friendships with many of her coworkers. After retiring, Jean and Armin traveled around the U.S. and Europe, and loved spending long days together on the beach. She could most often be found in her kitchen, making a fresh batch of gravy and her famous manicotti or testing out a new cookie recipe. She loved spending time with her family and always enjoyed a good card game (especially when she won!). A loving mom, proud nana, and loyal friend, Jean will be remembered for her sense of humor, her sharp wit, and her fully stocked kitchen.
She is survived by her three loving daughters, Maryjean DeSandes of Surf City, NJ, Lisa Dayton and her husband Jeff of Yardley, PA, and Paula Minacci and her husband Jim of Philadelphia, PA. She is also survived by her precious grandchildren, Sara and Emily Dayton, Dillon Minacci, and Kyle DeSandes-Moyer, her step-grandson Keith Minacci and his wife Jenny and their three children, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions in her name be made to the charity of your choice.
A Memorial Service and mass will be held on June 12, 2018 at St. Mary of the Pines, 100 Bishop Lane, Manahawkin, NJ, with private burial at a later date. The family will receive friends and family at the church from 10:30am to 11:30am after which the mass will begin.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com.
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