Jean Vicenzi

December 13, 1932 — December 18, 2024

Our mom, Jean Louise Vicenzi, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of Wednesday, December 18, just 5 days after her 92nd birthday. She was a loving and devoted wife to our dad, Elio, for 70 years and a wonderful mom to all 7 of us for as many years as we have each been alive: Pat (Jon Strawbridge), Cindy (Scott Fairbanks), Chris (deceased), Jeff, Steve (Randi), Tony (Julie), and Therese (Scott Kostuch). She was a special grandmother and great grandmother to 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren-4 little ones born just this year! Family was always first for our mom, and she dedicated her life to making each of us feel special, cared for, and loved, even when we didn't know it. From incredible family dinners and birthday celebrations to camping trips in a tent trailer and travel with all 9 of us in a station wagon(oh boy!), she was patient and kind and full of energy. She loved being silly, exploring nature, gardening, birds(especially cardinals), kittens and puppies, stuffed animals, collecting snowmen figures, and reading books. And of course, cooking! She readily shared these interests with us. She was actively involved in our schools, sports, and other interests. She gave us an idyllic childhood, with daily play outside, games and activities, and many experiences in the kitchen with her. She allowed us to follow our passions and instilled in us the importance of caring for others and the life around us. She was an extraordinary cook and baker and even created an extensive cookbook that is the book of choice for each of us in the kitchen. She welcomed people to her table and to her home often and had many friends. She loved Christmas and Easter and just about any holiday and had a knack for making each of them special with baked treats, gifts and always a reminder of what the holiday was really about! Our mom and dad did everything together and she was and always will be the love of his life. It is hard to find a photo that isn't of the two of them. She and our dad enjoyed parties and dressing up, and even attended a few at Newcastle in the early years that they lived there together. There are many photos of the two of them in silly Halloween costumes when they were younger! They spent lots of time with good friends and of course, always with family. Jean was a very strong and resilient person, having dealt with major illness and injury and always working hard to get back to her old self, and never complaining about it. She was a devout Catholic and she was quick to remind you that swearing was not allowed for any reason and church was every single Sunday, even when you were camping. She and our dad went to Mass every day for many years as well as recited the rosary each day up until her passing. She believed the word of the Bible and the promise of heaven and is there now with our brother Chris, her mom and dad, Marie and Edward Gensler, and her brothers, Tom and Dick, as well as many other special family and friends. Jean was an active and dedicated volunteer at church and her passion was for helping others. She especially enjoyed crocheting baby quilts and creating layettes for new mothers in need, as well as helping missions that provided aid and support to those living in poverty around the world. She also chaired the Bereavement Committee at St. Paul's in Genesee Depot, cooked for St.Ben's, and reached out to those who were struggling with an illness or injury. She delivered many meals to people in need. She made a difference often. She was an amazing wife, mother, and friend and will be deeply missed and always loved. Please join us in celebrating her life. The Funeral Mass will be Thursday, December 26 at Lumen Christi Catholic Church in Mequon. Visitation will begin at 10am, with a short eulogy allowed before the service around 1150am, and the Mass beginning at noon. Burial will be private the next day. The church will be fully decorated for Christmas, so we are requesting that flowers or plants are not sent to the church. This was one of our mom's favorite holidays so it will be a perfect way to say goodbye-a church filled with her favorite color, celebrating a special time of year. Memorials are suggested to the Xavierian Missionaries or a mission of your choice that supports people in need.

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Thursday, December 26, 2024

10:00am - 11:45 pm

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Lumen Christi Parish

2750 West Mequon Road, Mequon, WI 53092

Eulogy at 11:50 am.

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