Jean M. Fernandes

Jean Marie (LaBossiere) Fernandes, 80, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on December 7, 2020.

Jean was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on May 22, 1940. She met her loving future husband, David Fernandes during high school and dated for over 4 years. They married in 1962 when David finished college and moved to Wappingers Falls, New York. They were rarely apart for over 60 years and enjoyed being together.

Jean was a homemaker which was a job she cherished. She was home for her girls as they grew up and was involved in many of their activities. She was a Girl Scout leader, involved in the school PTA, was a chauffeur for years of soccer practice, dance lessons and school events. One of Jean's favorite things to do was to work at the polls during elections as an election inspector. She loved to be with people.

Jean enjoyed traveling with her family. There were yearly vacations to historical sights, to visit family and trips with just David - to Hawaii and even a trip to Europe one year.

As her girls grew and went away to school, Jean worked as a secretary for Zion Episcopal Church in Wappingers Falls. She made many friends while working there and enjoyed working to help the church. It was a part time job, but there were many days where she spent extra time to be sure the job was done right.

Jean moved to North Carolina with David when he retired. They lived there for a couple years before settling in Port Charlotte, Florida. She developed a love for researching her ancestry and joined a group that did genealogy in Florida. Through this research, she discovered she could join the Daughters of the American Revolution, something she was very proud of. She and David traveled extensively during their retired years, taking cruises and other trips to places like the Panama Canal, Alaska and Nova Scotia; as well as, trips to New York to see their girls. Jean's favorite trips however, were to see her grandchildren. She loved to spoil them and watch their school performances, games and other events whenever she could.

Jean was predeceased by her husband, David Fernandes; her father, Oliver LaBossiere; her mother, Dorothy (Gibbs) Avery; brother, Robert LaBossiere and sister, Nora (LaBossiere) Motta.

She is survived by her three daughters, Susan (John) Murray, Lynne (Ethan) Minkel and Beth (Gordon) Baker; and grandchildren Lauren Minkel, Alyssa Minkel, Andrew Murray, Shayla Murray, Rebecca Baker and Jessica Baker.

Calling hours will be May 1, from 4-5:30PM.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088. https://www.hospicecny.org/memorial-donation/

To leave a message of condolence for Jean's family, or to share a special memory of Jean, visit the guestbook below.

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