Jean Rose Passarello

Jean Rose Passarello, 95, of Atlanta, passed away at home on November 2,2019, surrounded by her family and loving caregivers.

Jean was born in Schenectady, New York to C.J. Patterson and Rose Hamell Patterson on October 19, 1924. She graduated from The College of Saint Rose in Albany,NY, valedictorian of the class of 1946. She was employed immediately as a biochemist for Lederle Laboratories in Pearl River, NY where she met fellow research chemist and future husband Nicholas Passarello. They were married October 8, 1949 in Pearl River, where they lived for the next 36 years, raising five daughters. Jean was a full-time mother while her children were growing up and used her extraordinary skills as a seamstress to sew matching outfits for her daughters for every special occasion. She re-entered the work force as a science teacher at Pearl River High School in 1969. She left teaching and returned to Lederle as a technical writer and retired from there in 1985. She and Nick moved to Atlanta that year to be close to several of their daughters and grandchildren. Jean led a full life in retirement, volunteering her time in the media centers of Jackson Elementary, Sutton Middle School and North Atlanta High School. She was an avid reader and particularly admired the works of Flannery O'Connor, William Trevor and Joan Didion. She was a serious gardener and spent hours each day working in her yard. Jean was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. She was extremely well read on world issues and engaged her friends and especially grandchildren in lively debate. She was an excellent cook and hosted weekly family meals and the famous annual Christmas Eve Italian dinner for her large family.

Jean is survived by her five daughters: Nicola Passarello of Sylva, NC, Suzy Quenzer of Atlanta, Dey Mathews (Scott) of Atlanta, Liza Llewellyn (David) of Atlanta and Mimi Passarello (Rich Pearlman) of Pittsburgh, PA. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Teddy Quenzer, Kate Quenzer (Mohammad Mansour), James Mathews, Bradley Mathews, Christopher Llewellyn (Lisa), Jarrett Llewellyn Price (Tamara), Andy Pearlman (Jaime Cohen), and Nick Pearlman, and great-granddaughter, Penelope Rose Price, as well as 16 nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at H.M. Patterson & Son- Spring Hill Chapel in Atlanta on Saturday, November 9 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Jean Rose Passarello to any of the following organizations: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, NAMI Northside Atlanta and the Pajama Reading Program of Atlanta.

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Published by The Journal News from Nov. 11 to Nov. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Passarello

Sponsored by H.M. Patterson & Son-Spring Hill Chapel.

5 Entries

Gretchen Atkinson

November 16, 2019

What a wonderful neighbor and friend she was to me and my girls.She helped us so many times and I will always remember her with love.
She enjoyed a long and well lived life. She will be missed by many.

Brenda Carson

November 14, 2019

One great lady and teacher! She was my favorite teacher of all time, and was so inspiring! So inspiring, I actually thought I would like to become a biologist! Her enthusiasm for teaching caused an enthusiasm for learning. She was always exciting, and never boring! You were all blessed to have had her in your lives, as well as the countless students who adored her!

Mary Ellen Reddan (Fortunato)

November 14, 2019

My condolences to the Passarello family; especially my dear friend from PRHS Mimi.

Pat Herman reed

November 13, 2019

I grew up on hunt ave with the passarello family.
I am sorry to hear. She had a great life

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Cynthia Morris

November 8, 2019

Jean was an amazing woman. I am so blessed to have been in her life for 30 years! She was like a family member to me. She taught me so much about life and we shared many laughs together. She was always so happy after I cut her hair! I always joked with her that she looked like a punk rocker. She loved her short spikey haircut. I am grateful I was able to give her a few haircuts in her home. She would compliment me and always give me a hug and her beautiful smile. She will be in my heart forever. Peace and blessings to her wonderful family and friends. Jean will be greatly missed by all

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