Jean M. (Reardon) Celano

Jean Marie Reardon Celano, cherished mother, mom-mom and gigi, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, August 2, 2017.  Born July 2, 1933 to the late Daniel and Emily Reardon, she was one of eight children.  She attended St. Paul Catholic Grade School and was a proud 1951 graduate of St. Elizabeth High School where she built lifelong friendships still cherished today.

A devoted wife to her late husband, Joseph and mother of seven, Jean lived a life of love and devotion to her family.  These values are reflected in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she treasured. 

Jean worked in Labor and Delivery at the General Division and Christiana Hospital.  She loved and excelled at her work, and was a calming presence to many young mothers. 

In addition to her husband and parents, Jean was preceded in death by her two sisters, Julia and Mabel, and four brothers, Daniel, James, Paul and Edward.  She is survived by her son, Joseph and his wife, Kathy; her daughters, Marie, Jeannie, Angela and Teresa Celano, JoAnne and her husband, Frank DeNisio, Christine and her husband, Jim Fischer; her brother, John Reardon and his wife, Sally; her sister-in-law, Johanna Reardon; her sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. 

Mom, mom-mom and gigi held our hearts always.  Her faith, courage and strength have inspired us all and will remain with us forever.

Family and friends are invited to visit at St. Matthew R.C. Church, 901 East Newport Pike, Wilmington on Tuesday, August 8 from 9:30-11:45AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00PM.  Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jean may be made to St. Elizabeth High School, c/o Development Office, 1500 Cedar Street, Wilmington, DE 19805 or the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, 4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713.

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