Jean Ann DiBenedetto age 62 of Newton passed away on Feb. 5th, 2025.

Beloved daughter of Angelo and Theresa DiBenedetto. Loved and doted upon by her sister the late Linda Gautreau and her husband Raymond, her sister Rita Capodilupo and her husband Peter, her sister Diane McNamara and her husband John, her brother Rick DiBenedetto and his partner Toni Hanna, her late sister-in-law Marta DiBenedetto and her late brother Nick DIBenedetto. Jean had many loving nieces and nephews: Edmund Capodilupo, Gina Capodilupo and her husband Paul Blaney, Nick Capodilupo and his wife Nikki, the late Jen McNamara, Shawn McNamara and his wife Mandy, John McNamara and his fiancé Nina Cedrone, Michael DiBenedetto and his wife Danielle, Chris DiBenedetto and his wife Colleen, Amanda DiBenedetto, Amy Strassner and her husband Aaron, Michelle Pelaez and her husband Edwin and many great nieces and great nephews.

Days after her birth Angelo and Theresa came home from the hospital with a solemn message. They gathered us around the table: Nonnie, Linda (15), Rita (13) and Diane (12). Dad said "The baby is sick. She is mentally retarded, she may have a short life span and she will need care. Some have encouraged us to institutionalize her. This will affect all of us so we will make this decision as a family." The decision was unanimous and so begins the story of Jean.

Jean attended various programs through the Newton Public Schools and blossomed into the spicy, feisty, sweet and loving girl that we all know and love. At age 22, the Price Center became her home away from home and the staff her second family. In short order, she became the "reigning queen." There she developed many lasting, loving relationships. She was accepted and appreciated. So many gave her so much of themselves; their care, patience, trust and skills. Her family was always at ease and exceedingly grateful when she was in the capable hands of Price Center staff.

The simplest things made Jean happy. Her daily ritual of preparing to go to "work" was to set up her lunch box, put on a glitzy shirt, put on her costume jewelry and pack her bag. Jean's down time go to was music. She knew all the words to her favorite songs. As she listened to Jerry Vale she twirled a pencil and sometimes used it as a microphone. Her favorite TV guys were Tom Selleck, Hulk Hogan, Charles Ingalls, John Boy Walton and Greg Brady.

Above all else Jean had an overabundance of love for her family and adoring friends. Her siblings and in-laws were devoted to her care. She adored all of her nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews and their love for "Auntie Jeannie" was heartfelt.

Jean exceeded all expectations. In a family of educators, it was Jean who taught all of us the most valuable lessons.

Visitation at Burke & Blackington Funeral Home 1479 Washington St. West Newton, MA 02465 on Sunday Feb 9th from 1pm-4pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Bernard Church 1523 Washington St. West Newton, MA 02465 on Monday Feb 10 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Price Center 27 Christina St. Newton, MA 02461.