CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Jeanne M Daly

She was strong in her faith. Jeanne was a huge part of the St. Clare of Assisi Community; a Eucharistic Minister and active in the baptism and marriage classes. As a mom she played devil’s advocate, making sure every solution was investigated from every angle. Take some time and think it through; Jeanne didn’t allow impulsive decisions. It wasn’t just her own children who sought her support; she was a second mom to most of her kid’s friends, her home a sanctuary from the abuses of the world. Her main rule was making sure that her family was gathered around her table for Sunday dinner. Of course, the next six dinners were leftovers or derivatives of the first. In cards and board games she took no prisoners, especially scrabble. The family joked that once the scrabble board was opened, her dictionary was as important as her bible. “Add that up again” she’d demand during those close Rummy games. Jeanne’s was a mind nearly impossible to beat; most of those around her had relied on Jeanne to help out with their homework over the years and she could finish the Philadelphia Inquire crossword puzzle in record time. To provide for her family, she returned to night school, studying engineering while her son colored next to her. She became a civil engineering draftsman and worked for many years for Catania Engineering in Folsom, PA. But she found her real calling late in life: a devout grandmother to 7 amazing grandchildren. Her music tastes evolved over time: she went through periods of Bocelli, Country, Motown, Classical and Church Hymns. If her T.V. was on, she’d be watching the Hallmark Channel or cheering for the Phils, Eagles and Sixers: she knew and embraced the frustrations of being a Philly fan. And her radio was nearly always tuned to 1060. Of course, she preferred to read, devouring books as fast as she could pick them up. And if outside her home she would most likely be tending to her gardens with flowers for every season: mums, daffodils, marigolds and pansies were some of her favorites.
She is survived by her 3 children: Jeannette Daly-Trout, Susanne Daly-Reed (Joe Nattans), and John P. Daly Jr. (Emily); 7 grandchildren, Grace, Sarah, Amanda, Julia, Robert, Kate and Jake; and 2 brothers, Thomas and Stephen Hilferty.
Come celebrate 76 great years Monday April 29 8-10 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Joseph Church, Swedesboro. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.