Obituary of Jean M. Gradoni

JEAN M. GRADONI CLIFTON PARK - Jean M. Gradoni, 87 of Rexford, joined her loving husband in Heaven on Friday, May 14, 2021 at The Eddy Village Green, Cohoes. Born in Troy on May 22, 1933, she was the daughter of the late John E. and Marguerite B. (Bouchard) Robens. Jean graduated from Mechanicville High School. She married her late husband and love of her life Donald B. Gradoni on February 2, 1958. Before their children were born, she worked as a telephone operator for NY Telephone Company and later as a special education teacher's aide for North Colonie Schools. However, her most cherished roles were those of mother, grandmother and wife, caring for her family throughout the years. Jean was an active member of the community and had many devoted friends. She enjoyed bowling on Tuesdays with the "Happy Housewives" at Latham Bowl. Don and Jean retired to Woodlake Village in Murrells Inlet, SC for 13 years. While there, Jean was active in the Woodlake Village Bowling League and Garden Club, as well as The Murrells Inlet Moose Club. She also enjoyed playing Mahjong with the neighbors, until caring for her husband became her first priority. Jean was deeply committed to her faith, and there was no one in need left off her daily prayer list. She was always ready for any kind of social gathering, and her smile and laughter lit up the room. Jean kept in touch with all her family until she was no longer able. For the past 15 years, Jean resided with her daughter Donna and family. She thrived on the daily chaos, and was her granddaughters' biggest fan on the softball and soccer fields. Joking around with her grandson D.J. gave her great joy and laughs. Nothing was more important to her than her family, and her grandchildren were her deepest source of love and joy. In addition to her parents Jean is predeceased by her siblings: Rose, John, Paul, Harry, Lula, Blanche, and Helen. She is survived by daughters Donna J Kirker (Jeffrey) of Rexford and Kimberly Gradoni Knott (William) of Clifton Park grandchildren Marissa Rose, Jennifer Lauren, and Donald Joseph, beloved niece Rosemary Madigan along with many cherished nieces and nephews, as well as her canine companion Elvis and feline friends Cosmo and Charlie. Jean's family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the love, compassion and support provided to "Momma Jean" by her caregiver family in House 8 at the Eddy Village Green, and by the Community Hospice care team. Relatives and friends are cordially invited and may call on Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 from 4:00 - 7:00pm at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ambrose Church, Latham with Rev. Brian Kelly officiating on Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 at 9:30am. Interment will immediately follow at Memory Gardens, Colonie. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Community Hospice Foundation 310 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, NY 12208 or www.givetocommunityhospice.org. For directions, information, to light a memory candle or order flowers for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.