Jeannine Margaret McNair

Survived by her loving husband Anthony, son John (Lauren), daughter Caitlyn, and her forever protector Brody Ann. Survived by her loving McAllister family - brother Jack (Bonnie), brother Peter (Erin), and sister Sheila. Survived by her loving mother-in-law Betty McNair. Survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her loving sister Patricia McAllister, sister Judy, sister-in-law Janis McAllister, brother-in-law Rod McNair, brother-in-law Ben Rizzuti, and brother-in-law Ron Greve.

After graduating from business school and working in the travel industry, Jeannine enjoyed her best life watching her children grow and blossom. She volunteered for everything she could to spend as much time as possible with John and Caitlyn including scouts, cheer, class mother, whatever she could do to lend a hand. After returning to work, Jeannine spent many years as a Pre-K teacher at various local pre-schools including the Children’s Circle in Bergenfield, Church of the Savior in Paramus, Bell’s Little Learners in Paramus and the River Vale Schools. She discovered her passion for food by responding to a Craigslist Ad to work at B&M Market in Park Ridge. What started as a part time job a couple hours a week turned into seven wonderful years working with Jonathan Goldstein and his staff. She decided to return to teaching and worked as a teacher’s aide for Bergen County Special Services and shared her love with those children who needed it most.

Jeannine loved life and lived it the fullest. She wouldn’t think twice about joining her friends on a crazy adventure or signing up for something new. She loved line dancing with her Pascack Valley crew, taking trips to Atlantic City with the love of her life, exploring NYC with her daughter, laughing with her son, taking boomerangs of many cheers with her New Milford crew, and spending time home gardening, reading, and taking Brody for long walks (while collecting pine cones for her crafts)! She loved decorating for every holiday, with her favorite being St. Patrick’s Day, when she would always bake her famous Irish Soda Bread and Irish Scones for friends and family.

Throughout her battle with cancer, her spirit, heart, and strong sense of humor stayed strong. She never stopped fighting, always kept her beautiful smile, and never once gave up hope. Rarely in life are we lucky enough to actually meet an angel, but God blessed us with Jeannine for almost 60 years, and we are forever grateful for every single moment. The unconditional love she had for everyone in her life, near or far, will live on through all of us forever.

Anthony, John, and Caitlyn sincerely thank everyone who opened their hearts during this very difficult year since her cancer diagnosis, and walked this path with us. The prayers for our family, notes of encouragement, food, flowers, and love meant the world. Please know that every kind thought sent our way put a smile on Jeannine’s face and brought her tremendous joy.

The family will be receiving family and friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675 on Wednesday, April 22, from 4:00–8:00 pm. Jeannine's cremation and burial of ashes will be held privately at a later time.

Family is forever.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the local animal rescue where we adopted Brody and his cousin Cooper – Good Karma Dog Rescue, 522 Westwood Avenue, River Vale, NJ 07675 https://www.goodkarmadogrescue.com/