Jeanne Eloise Albanese

Jeanne Eloise Albanese, 89, of Stevensville, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St Joseph, with Father John Fleckenstein officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, June 4, from 5 PM until 6:30 PM, when the prayer service will begin at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Ln., St. Joseph 49085, The Readiness Center, 347 Catalpa Ave., Benton Harbor 49022, or Harbor House Adult Day Services, 2450 M-139 Ste A, Benton Harbor 49022. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jeanne was born on January 21, 1932 in Muskegon, to Bert & Eloise (Sweeney) Richards. She grew up on her family farm in White Cloud and graduated from White Cloud High School in 1950 and continued her education by attending Central Michigan University where she earned a degree in education. On July 30, 1955, Jeanne married the love of her life, James “Roger” Albanese, in West Bangor, PA. The two were happily married for 38 years before his passing in 1993. For many years, Jeanne was a teacher at Dearborn & Big Rapids elementary schools. She and Roger would eventually relocate to Stevensville where she continued her passion of teaching at St. Joseph Catholic School and would also take on the role of Principal of their CCD program, until retiring in the early 1960’s. Jeanne was a proud and devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she loved attending services and volunteering whenever needed. She was also member of the Twin City Symphony League, St. Joseph Yacht Club, Garden Club and was the past President, teacher and held a role on the Board of Directors for the Readiness Center for 10 years. She loved tending to her beautiful garden, watching the birds, cooking & baking, and traveling the world. However, what she loved most was spending time with her family. Her loving and caring heart will be missed and remembered by many; Heaven has gained an amazing woman. Jeanne is survived by her children, Cynthia “Cindy” Albanese of Benton Harbor and Martin “Marty” (Lara) Albanese of Camarillo, CA; grandchildren, Ashley (Joshua), Joshua, Jordan, Tayler, and Payton; great-grandson, Elijah; and siblings, Ronald (Barb) Richards, Terry (Judi) Richards, Donald (Sally) Richards, Carole Manchip, Patricia (William) Rottman, and Marcy (Lawrence) Hays. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert & Eloise; husband, Roger; son, Jeffery Albanese; and brother William Richards.