Jeanne Contarino

Jeanne A.M. Contarino, 95, died peacefully at her home surrounded by loving family on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The widow of Alfred F. Contarino, Jeanne was born on February 24, 1929, in the Bronx to the late Anna and Frank Solicito. She attended school in New York and proudly worked as a telephone operator in the city, only moving to Massachusetts when she married.
In addition to her late husband, Jeanne's family consists of three daughters, Barbara Tomkins of Kittery, ME, Carol Andre of Andover, MA, Donna Caselden of Gloucester, MA and a son, Alfred F. Contarino, Jr. of Boxford, MA; sons-in-law, Richard Tokowicz, Robert Andre and the late Edward Caselde; and daughter-in-law, Kathryn Contarino. "Nany" also leaves behind eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Solicito.
Jeanne enjoyed raising her children in Andover and North Andover with her devoted husband Alfred and spent many hours babysitting her grandchildren, playing board games and attending their many shows, concerts and games. In the early years, summer days were spent at Salisbury and Seabrook Beach, and later on her summers were spent at the Cape with winters in Palm Beach. Jeanne and Alfred loved to travel and passed on that love to their children. One of her favorite places to visit was Foxwoods. She loved her slot machines!
Jeanne was an anchor to her large family, instilling many traditions and memories into their lives. Holidays were always big events at Jeanne's house with plenty of delicious home-made Italian food and fancy china and table settings. Her sharp wit, candid advice and delicious cooking will be sorely missed.
Jeanne was always willing to help family members and friends and would do so discreetly. She could always keep a secret so she was easy to confide in. She was a good friend.
Jeanne's sense of humor was amazing. This could be seen in the daily bantering and kidding around between her and her loving caretaker Victoria.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. A funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Michael Parish, 196 Main Street, North Andover with a lunch after.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jeanne's memory may be made to the charity of your choice, although a few of Jeanne's favorite charities are Muscular Dystrophy Association, Lazarus House and St. Jude's Hospital.