Obituary of Jeanne E. Townsend
Jeanne E. (Donovan) Townsend, 75, of Rome passed away at Rome Health Hospital on January 18, 2024 after a long illness.
Born in Tupper Lake, NY, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Lorraine (Cole) Donovan. Jeanne grew up in Cicero, NY and attended North Syracuse High School and Mohawk Valley Community College. Jeanne was employed at Rome Savings Bank for 17 years and at the Turning Stone Casino for 19 years, retiring in 2014. She was a member of the Rome Elks Lodge, #96.
Jeanne is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Keith; her children: Tina (Evan Handel) of Wappingers Falls, Michael of Rome, Steven (Alexa) of Rome, and Angie of Manhattan; and grandchildren: Benjamin and Layla. She is also survived by her brothers: Terrance Donovan of Potsdam, Bruce Donovan of Potsdam, and James (Pat) Donovan of Alaska; her sisters and brothers-in-law: Donna Townsend of Rome, Debbie (Gene) Bilodeau of Rome, David Townsend Jr. of Sylvan Beach, Ronald (Janet) Townsend of Bluffton, SC, James Townsend of Rome, Brian “BJ” (Joanne) Townsend of Rome, Donald Williams of Penfield, and Barbara Townsend of Rome; and Jeanne’s dear friends: Brenda Pabis; Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New Hartford; and Laura McCann of Taberg. She was predeceased by her sisters: Bonnie Williams and Nancy Donovan; brother: Barry Donovan; brothers-in-law: Bruce “Moose” Townsend and Jodie Townsend; and sister-in-law; Jennifer Townsend.
It was Jeanne’s family that brought her the greatest joy and she will be remembered by her desire to put their needs and well-being before her own. Some of her happiest moments were watching her children and grandchildren play sports, especially hockey. She was a true “Hockey Mom.” She also loved fishing with her grandchildren, adventures with her husband, cooking for a house full of family and friends, baking and gifting her famous chocolate chip cookies and sausage bread, and winning at intense scrabble and pitch card games. Jeanne lived a happy and beautiful life. She always made people feel warm and welcome and was well-loved by everyone who met her. She will be cherished in our memories and hearts forever.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Aunt Debbie Bilodeau and Jackie Gamel for their exceptional help, compassion, and care for Jeanne. Also, the staff at Betsy Ross Nursing Facility, and Rome Health Hospital.
There will be a mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 26, at St. Peter’s Church in Rome.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM prior to the mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rome Rescue Mission in Rome, or the Rome Youth Hockey Association: RYHA PO Box 861 Rome, NY 13440.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street in Rome, NY.
Please offer online condolences at: www.barryfuneralhome.com.