Jean Claire Destefano

Jean Claire DeStefano, 96, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025. Born on November 1, 1928, in Mount Kisco, New York, Jean lived a long and beautiful life filled with family, faith, and friendship. Jean had a long career as an administrative assistant in the insurance industry. Known for her sharp mind, warm heart, and steady presence, she brought care and professionalism to everything she did. Jean had a love for life’s simple joys. She enjoyed attending fashion shows with friends, watching her favorite soap operas, sewing with care and creativity, and indulging in her favorite—Italian food. A woman of deep faith, Jean was a devoted Christian and an active member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Ocala, Florida. Her kindness extended beyond her home and career through her volunteer work. Jean generously gave her time to the Guardian ad Litem program, advocating for children in need, and also served at North Shore Hospital and Ocala Regional Medical Center, offering compassion and support to patients and families alike. She was married to the love of her life, Salvatore DeStefano, and together they raised four children: Jack, William, Jill, and James. Her legacy lives on through her eight grandchildren: From Jack: Christina and Amy, from William, Brittania, from Jill, Daniel and Brian, from James, Cindy, Craig and Jessica, thirteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She was a constant presence in their lives, offering love, wisdom, and steady support through the generations. Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband Sal, her son Jack, her parents Thomas Francis Thomason and Margaret Thomason, and her siblings. She was a proud daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend—roles she filled with unwavering love and quiet strength. A Viewing will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Roberts of Ocala – Downtown Chapel, 606 SW 2nd Ave, Ocala, Florida 34471. The Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3453 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, Florida 34470. Interment will take place at a Graveside Service at 3:00 PM at Fort McCoy Cemetery, 14520 NE 110th Avenue Rd, Fort McCoy, Florida 32144. Jean's life was a testament to grace, devotion, and resilience. Her memory will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jean Claire Destefano

November 1, 1928 - April 14, 2025