Jeannette Starkey

Jeannette was born on August 4, 1941, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York, to Edward Pierce and Lillian (Downes) Pierce. She grew up surrounded by family and carried the values of faith, kindness, strength, and compassion throughout her life.

As a young teenager, Jeannette met the love of her life, William "Bill" Starkey, in a story that became part of family history. They first met through mutuals—Jeannette was dating Bill's brother, Eddie, while Bill dated Jeannette's sister, Virginia. The romances did not last. And before long, Bill asked Eddie if he could take Jeannette on a date because he had fallen for her along the way. The rest, as they say, is history. Together they built a beautiful life centered on

faith, family, and enduring love, raising four daughters and instilling those same values in each generation that followed.

For many years, Jeannette devoted herself to her family as a loving homemaker, creating a warm and welcoming home where everyone felt loved. Later, she worked for several years at Troll Associates, where she formed genuine friendships and was appreciated for her dedication and warm personality.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted member of The Brick Church in Spring Valley, New York, where she found fellowship, comfort, and strength in her relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jeannette was predeceased by her beloved husband, William Starkey; her parents, Edward and Lillian (Downes) Pierce; her sister, Virginia Baldwin; her brother, Edward Pierce Jr.; and her cherished grandson, Billy Nisbet.

She is survived by her brother, Joseph Pierce; her daughters, Billie; Teri and her husband, Bill; Karen; and Sandy and her husband, Alex. She leaves behind several beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and endless joy. She also leaves behind her lifelong friend, Ruth Thompson, whose enduring friendship was a treasured blessing

throughout the years.

Jeannette's greatest calling was caring for her family. She was the heart of the household—the one who made sure everyone was taken care of. She did it all: shopping for the family, paying

the bills, keeping everyone connected, and making certain no one felt forgotten. She quietly carried countless responsibilities without ever asking for recognition because caring for those she loved was simply who she was. No family tradition better reflected her love than Christmas Eve at her home. Long before everyone arrived, the house would already be glowing with a barrage of beautiful Christmas decorations, while the familiar sounds of the family's original 8-track Christmas albums filled the living room. She made sure the antipasto from Mr. Kold Kuts was ordered well in advance so everything would be perfect. But perhaps her greatest joy was preparing the grandchildren's stockings, carefully filling each one with the very best gifts and candy. Because of Jeannette, Christmas Eve became more than a holiday—it became a cherished family tradition that will forever live in the hearts of those who gathered around her table. Jeannette had a gentle spirit that immediately put people at ease, yet she was equally famous for

her quick comebacks and wonderful sense of humor. Her family will forever smile when remembering some of her favorite sayings: "I just love going to lunch," and everyone who knew her fondly remembers the time she affectionately referred to Olive Garden as "The Salad Garden." And let us not forget her unwavering patriotism with the jovially repeated declaration, "I LOVE my country." She had a heartfelt love for the United States and was always proud to express her appreciation for the freedoms and blessings it represented.

She found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved completing crossword puzzles, sitting outside and appreciating God's beautiful creation, keeping an immaculate home, making sure she looked her best every morning, hosting family celebrations, and perfecting what many considered her legendary potato salad. She enjoyed going for joy rides, trips to Dunkin' Donuts for a hot chocolate, listening to music, and singing along to one of her favorite songs, Tennessee Whiskey. Every fall she looked forward to visiting Secor Farms in Mahwah, New Jersey, to pick out her mums. Yet no destination ever meant more to her than wherever her family happened to be. Home, to Jeannette, was never a place—it was the people she loved.

Jeannette will be remembered for her quiet strength, gracious heart, unwavering faith, generous spirit, steadfast patriotism, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. She taught those around her the importance of putting family first, finding joy in everyday moments, opening your home and your heart to others, loving your country, and trusting in the Lord through every season of life.

Although she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the traditions she created, the laughter she inspired, and the countless memories that will forever be held close. Her gentle spirit, sense of humor, steadfast love, and enduring faith will continue to guide and comfort those who were blessed to know her.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jeannette's life and share their memories during visitation on Sunday, July 12, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, Suffern, New York. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, July 13, at 11:00 a.m. at The Brick Church, Spring Valley, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to honor Jeannette's memory do so by donating to The Alzheimer's Foundation and by sharing kindness with others, gathering with

loved ones, and cherishing the simple moments together.

May she rest in eternal peace within the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, reunited with those who went before her and forever held within the hearts of those she leaves behind.