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Rooney, Jean B. March 26, 1944 - December 12, 2020

Jean Burns Rooney, age 76, passed away peacefully in the evening of December 12, 2020 with her children by her side.  She was born at Park East Hospital (now condos) on East 83rd Street on March 26, 1944 to Edith and James Burns.

While technically born in Manhattan, Jean grew up in the Parkchester section of the Bronx and was proud to be raised there.  She graduated from St. Helena Grammar School in 1958 and St. Helena High School in 1962. She spent most of her career working as a Secretary for Fordham Prep, Fordham University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, from which she retired in 2014.  Jean had an unmatched zest for life and left a lasting impression on all those lucky enough to meet and spend time with her.  She was devoted to her family and friends, all of whom she loved very much.  In retirement, Jean realized that life was too short not to try and see as much of the world as possible.  Jean, who wasn’t known to be a world traveler, ventured off with her friends to Austria, Italy, China, Spain, Czech Republic and Hungary, with her favorite being Sicily, Italy.  She loved all of these trips and the friends with whom she traveled.  Jean was a force to be reckoned with, never missed a party and always brought smiles to all of those who loved her so deeply.

Jean is survived by her children Kevin (Sandy Colarossi) and Kristine (Kevin Granger), her four grandchildren John, Isabella, Emilia, and Jack who were the absolute lights of her life and who she loved more than words could ever express; her sister Barbara and brother Robert (Bizerka Masic).  Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Edith and James, and her brother James.

A visitation service will be held at Fred H McGrath & Son Funeral Home, 20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, New York, between the hours of 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Friday, December 18th.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helena’s Church, 1315 Olmstead Avenue, Bronx, New York on Saturday December 19th at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Smile Chain (https://my.smiletrain.org),  St Jude’s Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org)  or Calvary Hospital (https://www.calvaryhospital.org) in memory of Jean.

Changed Due to Snow Storm

Calling Hours: 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm, Friday December 18, 2020

Mass: 10 am, Saturday, December 19, 2020 at St. Helena's Church, 1315 Olmstead Ave, The Bronx, NY 10462

In Lieu of Flowers: Contributions may be made to any of the following; Smile Chain (https://my.smiletrain.org),  St Jude’s Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org)  or Calvary Hospital (https://www.calvaryhospital.org)

Condolences(15)

  1. REPLY
    Linda Cremona says

    My dear dear friend how I love and miss you already. You were truly a great friend to me you are now an angel and with you goes a piece of my heart..so many wonderful memory I will hold on to until we meet again. My sincere condolences go out to all her loved ones. May you rest in eternal peace.my friend.??????

  2. REPLY
    Karen Hickey says

    Dear Rooney Family. May God keep you during this difficult time. Jean was always the life of the party and I will miss her. God bless.

  3. REPLY
    Eileen Barrett says

    My deepest sympathy to Kristine, Kevin and all your family. There are no words to explain this loss. My heart is broken. Jean was there for me no matter what!! Just a phone call away. We still laugh when she came down in her M&M shirt to get me off the floor. I could count on my friend for anything and blessed to have her in my life. So much fun !! Taken way too soon. Iwill miss you my forever friend ❤️ Til we meet again xx

  4. REPLY
    Mary Legath says

    My dear friend Jean , I am going to miss you so much. Jean you were so loving ,caring and vibrant. I will always cherish the fun and crazy times we had together. I am sending all my love and heartfelt condolences to Kevin, Christine and family.

  5. REPLY
    Jeannie McFadden Gilbert says

    I am so sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to grow up knowing Mrs.Rooney and I always loved her up and enjoyed her presence. She was a light in the room with a twinkle in those baby blue eyes and a fantastic sense of humor and fun. Her absence will leave a void and my heart goes out to her family, Kevin and Christine and their beautiful kids and spouses who she loved deeply. ??

  6. REPLY
    Laura Finneran & family says

    So sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I remember speaking with her a few times at Leewood. She was a lovely woman and so proud of her beautiful family. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

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    Eileen Barrett says

    My deepest sympathy to Kevin, Kristine and your beautiful family. My heart is broken in a million pieces. Our friendship spans 63 years of pure joy. Jean brought sunshine to all who knew her. Love and miss you my forever friend. Rest In Peace Jean til me meet again.

  8. REPLY
    Charlie Pisaniello says

    My deepest sympathy to Kristine and Kevin.
    I can’t believe a world without Jean.

  9. REPLY
    Dana Nieves says

    One of the best days of my life was when I met Jean and she talked me into joining St. Helena’s PTA. I never knew a person who enjoyed life to the fullest as Jean did. Her humor was well known, but what I always loved most about Jean was her honesty, generosity and how she gave of herself. I will miss you my dear friend.
    To Kevin, Kristine and family, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. It was an honor to have known your mother.

  10. REPLY
    Jack McLaughlin says

    My deepest sympathy to the family, Jean was the glue that held the whole gang together I can’t believe she is gone there is no one that can replace her. Rest in peace my dear friend you were the best.

  11. REPLY
    Jackie McCarthy says

    Dear Kevin, Kristine and family, My deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May Jean rest in peace.

    • REPLY
      Carlin Amalfitano says

      Kristine
      So sorry to read about Moms passing
      Your mom was a wonderful lady. We loved doing laundry together at 900 .Many laughs were had in that laundry room
      May she rest in peace
      Carol Jean Murphy
      Carlin Murphy Amalfitano
      Your old neighbors from 900 apt 3C

  12. REPLY
    Maureen and Jack O’Sullivan says

    Dear Kristine and Kevin,
    Your Mom was a “light”. So much fun and full of life. Always there for her friends, that’s why she had so many. We will miss her smiling face. God Bless the Rooney family

  13. REPLY
    Tina O'Keeffe says

    Dear Kristine and Kevin,

    Looking ahead at 2021, am thinking of St. Patrick’s Day and how much I will miss your mom’s smiling face at breakfast. It was the one time of year I could count on seeing her and I loved it.

    She demonstrated something important to me my whole life: the meaning of being there for your family and friends but always having fun. Her legacy are her two smart and talented children and her beautiful grandchildren. I was lucky to know her and to know you. God bless you.

  14. REPLY
    Marjorie Foley Brennan Klahr says

    Jean was an outstanding person full of life and always with a smile on her face .
    Sincere sympathy to her children ,family and friends . May she rest in peace.