Jeanne J. Speranza Obituary
Jeanne J. Speranza, wife of the late Anthony G. Speranza ("Tony"), passed away on May 18, 2023, at Norwalk Hospital at the age of 82. She was born on August 8, 1940, in Queens, NY to the late Accursio "Gus" LaRocca and Minnie (Kovitz) LaRocca. Jeanne grew up alongside her sister, Catherine "Katie" (La Rocca) Shutman, her brother, Sam "Sonny" La Rocca and her younger brother, Joseph "Joey" La Rocca. Both Katie and Joey have predeceased Jeanne. Through the years, the stories of the siblings' interactions would create such laughing fits that usually they had to wipe the tears from their eyes. Their unique relationship with each other was always evident whether they were together in person or miles apart and could only speak by phone.
Jeanne graduated from Long Island City High School in 1958. She was involved in many student government activities. Her hobbies included dancing, swimming, listening to all types of music and had a lifelong love affair with the beach.
Tony and Jeanne were married on April 20, 1968. Together they welcomed Tony's three teen-aged children, Marina Lee, Gerald & Anthony into their home. Jeanne would give birth to their son, David in 1971 and their daughter Michelle in 1972. She loved her family immensely. Christmas Eve was always the main event at the Speranza residence. If you knew Tony and Jeanne together, they had a wonderful romance.
Early on Jeanne was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. She volunteered her time with the PTA and usually chaperoned school events. After David and Michelle entered middle school, she took an administrative position within the New York City Board of Education for District 30. Jeanne also taught Religious Ed at her parish, Immaculate Conception, in Astoria. Later she would become a Eucharistic Minister. Jeanne retired from the NYC BOE in 2001. Upon retiring, Tony and Jeanne along with her mother, Minnie, would leave NY, moving to Ft. Myers, Florida.
Unfortunately, this was a short-lived experience due to Tony's passing in 2004 after a brief illness. Jeanne attempted to carry on without her beloved husband, however it was necessary for her to return to the northeast, near her children. Norwalk, CT is where Jeanne displayed her resilience and an unexpected degree of independence. Since she did not drive many of her friends in the Norwalk community helped get her places.
Jeanne utilized her time volunteering in numerous capacities. One of her favorite events was her annual trip to the St. Mary's Villa in Sloatsburg, NY. There she would assist the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate in various roles. She continued as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Matthew's Church. Usually, she volunteered at the St. Ann's Annual Festival. Jeanne would love to spend time with the people in these communities. Many of these associations became dear friends.
Jeanne cherished her many friendships. There are two specific relationships Jeanne wanted acknowledged. Her lifetime friendship with Jo Viglione Doran, and the relationship she had with her sister-in-law, Linda La Rocca. She always stated how much she loved them, and knew they loved her unconditionally.
Jeanne is survived by her children, David (Tara), Michelle (MJ), Marina Lee (Wes), Gerald (Joann), and Anthony (Patricia). She also leaves behind her eight cherished grandchildren, Daniel, Aislinn, Caitlin, Andrew, Vanessa, Andrea, Eric Anstey and Evan Anstey.
The family will receive all who wish to attend on Thursday May 25th, from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave. Norwalk, CT. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday May 26th, 10:00 AM at St. Matthew's Church, 216 Scribner Ave. Norwalk, CT. Her entombment will take place at St. Michael's Cemetery in Queens, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: St. Martin De Porres Church 118 Cedar Valley Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 In memory of Jeanne Speranza / ChristLife, St. Ann's Club, Norwalk CT 16 Hendrick's Ave Norwalk, CT 06851 In Memory of Jeanne Speranza.
