Jean Elizabeth Ranieri

Jean Elizabeth Ranieri (maiden name DiNoto), a woman of extraordinary grace, intelligence, and determination, passed away on July 6th, 2026. Born on May 29, 1933, in Troy, New York, Jean lived a life that inspired those around her and left behind a legacy defined by strength and love.

Jean was the beloved daughter of Josephine "Giuseppa" Bono DiNoto and Peter DiNoto, both immigrants from Montelepre, Sicily, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and perseverance. She often spoke fondly of her idyllic childhood in Troy, where her lifelong love of music and the performing arts first took root. At only three years old, she made her singing debut on the radio with a performance of Pennies from Heaven—a fitting song for the resilient life she would lead. She also delighted in being a devoted big sister and caretaker to her cherished younger brother, Robert, who was ten years her junior.

In 1945, at the age of twelve, Jean's family relocated to the Detroit area to be closer to relatives. There, her father worked on the assembly line at Ford Motor Company while her mother operated a neighborhood beauty salon from the family's front parlor. Jean carried with her the resilience and work ethic of her parents while continuing to nurture her artistic talents.

A gifted performer, Jean became a dance instructor for the renowned Arthur Murray Dance Studios, where she shared her passion for ballroom dancing, especially the Latin rhythms of the rumba and salsa. Her love of music remained a constant throughout her life. She was an accomplished member of Sweet Adelines, performing four-part a cappella harmony and competing in competitions both with the chorus and as a member of a barbershop quartet.

Professionally, Jean was every bit as accomplished as she was artistically. Possessing a naturally curious and forward-thinking mind, she embraced emerging computer technology in the early days of business computing. Long before it became commonplace, Jean mastered accounting and data processing systems, building a respected career as an administrative coordinator with Unisys, where she supported senior executives and expertly managed complex travel and event logistics. Her remarkable organizational skills, intelligence, and professionalism led her to several other positions throughout her career before she ultimately served as an esteemed paralegal for the late Ralph J. Kleiber, Esq., of Grosse Pointe.

Jean's interests extended far beyond her career. She possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world and was an avid student of the financial markets, eagerly following stocks, gold, and later cryptocurrency. She enjoyed thoughtful conversations about investing and economics and generously shared her knowledge with anyone interested in learning.

Her compassion knew no bounds, especially when it came to animals. She believed every living creature deserved kindness. When her son Chris discovered an injured screech owl on the roadside, Jean didn't hesitate to bring it into her home. She affectionately named the owl "Screech," cared for it until it could receive specialized treatment, and found a wildlife rehabilitator to ensure its recovery. That was simply who Jean was—someone who stepped in whenever help was needed.

Those who knew Jean will also remember her impeccable sense of style. Whether she was meeting friends, spending time with family, or simply enjoying an afternoon at Lakeside Mall, Jean took great pride and pleasure in looking her best. Her hair was perfectly styled, her makeup flawlessly applied, and her outfits could light up a room (sometimes literally, she was not one to shy away from sequins).

Jean was a modern woman well ahead of her time. Independent, intellectually curious, resilient, and endlessly capable. Above all though, she loved her family. She knew family was everything and she was sure to share that sentiment with loved ones before she left this world.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tony Ranieri, and her son, John Pasvant.

She is lovingly survived by her brother, Robert DiNoto, and his wife, Pauline DiNoto; her daughter, Cherie Nichols, and her husband, Pete Nichols; her son, Pete Pasvant, and his wife, Sharon Pasvant; her son Chris Lingenfelter; her granddaughter, Natalie Nichols, and her husband, Johnny Floyd; her granddaughter, Katina Ahling, and her husband Sebastian Ahling; her grandson, Jack Boote III, and his wife, Sara Rose Boote; her granddaughter Sarah Boote-Emmick; her niece, Christy Savoni; her nephew, Robert DiNoto Jr., and his wife, Genie DiNoto; her great-nieces, Alisia DiNoto and Gianna Savoni; her great-nephew, Tyler Savoni; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were—and forever will be—enriched by knowing her.

Visitation will be held at A H Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, US, on July 12, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location on July 12, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am.

A Committal Service will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Rd, Michigan, MI 48038, US, on July 13, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.