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Jean Rustici Obituary
Jean A. Rustici, 89, of Stamford, passed away February 5, 2015. Jean was born in Stamford April 12, 1925. Daughter of the late Joseph and Louise (Tamburri) Rustici, Jean lived in Stamford her entire life. She was predeceased by her brother, Donald Rustici. Jean is survived by her nephew, Patrick Rustici, and her nieces, Ginny Ranson, Peggy Zalkind, and Donna Courchaine, as well as many cousins, grand- and great-nieces and nephews. Jean graduated from Smith College in 1947, and earned graduate degrees from Columbia University. Her passion was early childhood education. Her mother had started a day care in her home during the depression, and Jean turned that into a highly-regarded nursery school in Stamford, that continued operation into the 1980's. She was well-known in her field over many years. One of her proudest accomplishments was her involvement in establishing the original Head Start programs. She also worked for the Connecticut State Department of Education, and for the Yale Bush Center of Child Development and Social Policy, authoring many significant studies. After her retirement, she continued her involvement through the CAEYC, the Ct Association for the Education of Young Children. Jean loved her whole family, immediate and extended, and was always there with her support. She will be missed by multiple generations. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 11:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. Interment will take place in private. Relatives and friends may call at the Lacerenza Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford on Saturday, February 14, 2015 from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers please send donations in memory of Jean to the Childcare Learning Center, Development Department, 64 Palmers Hill Road, Stamford, CT 06902 or www.clcstamford.org
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Memories and Condolences
for Jean Rustici
Sponsored by the family.
Heather Klein
March 7, 2015
It was an honor to know Jean. She touched many lives and was deeply respected in her chosen field of early childhood education. How fortunate I was to know her and to work with her. My condolences to her family She will be missed by many but her legacy to children, families and ECE professionals will endure.
Gretchen Lindsay
February 14, 2015
Sis was the go-to person for policy and practice in Early Childhood Education. She was brilliant yet unassuming; she could lecture to a roomful of prominent educators wearing her button necklace and have the audience hanging on her every word.Her deep love of children and her instinctive understanding of them was an inspiration to me as a new teacher many years ago. Thank you for your guidance and wisdom, dear Sis.
February 14, 2015
What wonderful memories I have of my days on 6th street with Ms
Rustici ! I Went there when I was 4 and 5 years old-1951/1952. I remember the swings in the back and the silly putty on the wall and nap time with our blankets ! I wish Jeans family much sympathy in their loss of a fantastic women who dedicated her life to children and adults as well- Rest in peace Jean-with love from a Stamford
native, Nancy Chicatell Jamroga
February 14, 2015
Sis was the go-to person for policy and practice in Early Childhood Education. She was brilliant yet unassuming; she could lecture to a roomful of prominent educators wearing her button necklace and have the audience hanging on her every word.Her deep love of children and her instinctive understanding of them was an inspiration to me as a new teacher many years ago. Thank you for your wisdom and guidance, dear Sis.
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February 14, 2015
Dear Donna and Family, I was sad to hear of Jean's passing but comforted to know that she will now be with her beloved past family members. She was blessed to have you all there for her and my deepest sympathy at this time. Angel Dazzo
February 14, 2015
Jean was a superior role model and motivator. Give lots of thanks for the guidance she shared in our Head Start Program. May she find the peace and love in heaven.
Jane Jackman
Storrs, CT.
Louise Scrivani
February 13, 2015
Her life earnest, her actions kind,
A willing hand, an active mind,
Anxious to please, loath to offend,
A champion of children and faithful friend.
We will miss you!
Love,
Louise, Ernie & Gabe
Ginny Volk
February 12, 2015
Jean brought her wisdom about children, people and policy to the CT State Department of Education. And it must be said, she brought a wonderfully wicked sense of humor as well.
John Roman
February 12, 2015
Patrick and family,
My condolences on the passing of your aunt. She and your father are - I am sure - making things interesting upstairs...
Judi Larson
February 12, 2015
My family is filled with many happy memories of Sis ! Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
February 12, 2015
Her life earnest, her actions kind,
A willing hand, an active mind,
Anxious to please, loath to offend,
A champion of children and faithful friend.
You will be missed.
Love,
Louise, Ernie & Gabe
Bush Center - Girls Night Out
Louise Scrivani
February 12, 2015
Helen Nissley Lewis (The Rev. Dr.)
February 12, 2015
What an honor it was to have a child under Jean's care and learning almost fifty years ago. She was an incredible teacher not only for our children but also for us who needed her child-rearing skills. Blessings,
dear Jean.
Betty Sternberg
February 12, 2015
We lost a wonderful person who cared deeply about not only little people, but all people. At the State Department of Education I looked to her for wise advice about people and policies. I will miss her genuine smile and caring ways. -- Betty J. Sternberg
Valerie (Nowlin) Mascaro
February 12, 2015
I attended Rustici Nursery School 1954-1956. I remember Ms. Rustici well. We had a wonderful time there and I still remember being dropped off each morning to that wonderful old brick house on 6th Street. Great memories of a very lovely lady. My thoughts and prayers to all the Rustici family.
Ps. 55:22
February 11, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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Lacerenza-Macari Family Funeral Home8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
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