BALLSTON SPA – ADDESSO, Jean Katherine (née Heidelmeier), age 89, formerly of Hoboken and Little Ferry, NJ, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Ballston Spa, NY, with family by her side.

Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years, Anthony “Tony” Addesso, who was not only her husband but also her best friend and the love of her life. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Louis Heidelmeier, Anna Marie Bufis, Frances Lupinaccio, Olga Della Bella, and Doris Clark.

Jean is survived by her son, Thomas Addesso; her daughters, Patricia Addesso and Vicki Dodd and her husband, Gregory Dodd; and her cherished grandchildren Craig Addesso, Kelsey Dodd and Mason Vairetta. Also, Brenda Pizzute and Louise Tulp, who she loved as if they were her own.

Jean spent many years raising her family in Little Ferry, NJ, where she was very active in the community. She served as both a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and was instrumental in the founding and success of the Women’s Club of Little Ferry.

Above all else, Jean was proud to be a homemaker and mother. She took great pride in keeping a warm and immaculate home, loved to entertain, loved the holidays, she welcomed friends freely, and embraced the role of mother and grandmother not only to her own family but to anyone fortunate enough to walk through her door. Jean also shared a special bond with her beloved Cockapoo, Shadow, who was a constant companion and source of comfort in her life. Shadow meant the world to her, and it brought her peace knowing that they will be together again.

In 1987, Jean and Tony embarked on a new adventure together when they opened TJ’s Stationery Plus on Palisades Avenue in Bogota, NJ. The store and Jean’s welcoming smile became a beloved staple in the community until they sold the business in 1997. They then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they enjoyed time with family and friends for a few years but ultimately Jean needed to be near her children. Jean and Tony returned east and settled in upstate New York so they could be close to their daughter and soon the entire family moved there and began to grow. Jean loved celebrating the milestones of her family, big holiday gatherings, bar-be-cues and watching her granddaughter, Kelsey, perform.

In recent years, despite battling her own health issues, Jean selflessly devoted herself to caring for Tony until his passing just five months earlier. Caring for her family was always her greatest purpose in life. Perhaps there was comfort in knowing that she had fulfilled that purpose so completely.

Jean leaves behind a legacy of hard work, devotion to family, kindness, love and laughter. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but never forgotten.

Relatives and friends are invited to call, March 28th, from 11:30am-1:00pm at the William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com