Obituary of Jeanette L. Collesano

“Those we love truly never leave us. There are things that death cannot touch” (Jack Thorne) Jeanette L. (DeBacco) Collesano was the embodiment of love in human form. She was ushered into Heaven by the Lord on February 5, 2023 as the angels witnessed the most beautiful reunion with her best buddy and partner in crime, her loving mother, Marjorie Merrill. Jeanette made her home in the Village of Lewiston 39 years ago when she married the love of her life, former Village Mayor Terry C. Collesano. She became a staple in the community through her devotion to service. For decades she was an active member of the Lewiston Kiwanis Club where she served as co-chair of the annual Peach Queen Pageant. For the last 26 years of her working career, she cherished her role as the Director of the Town of Lewiston Senior Center. At her retirement ceremony in February 2020 a senior center member and friend remarked, “To be responsible for the operation, maintenance and planning of a senior center, at times, can prove to be very challenging…But for 26 years, Jeanette Collesano has made it look flawless.” She loved her Seniors and gave every one of them a piece of her heart. After retirement, she enjoyed sunny months in Florida with Terry, their family and her dearest friend, Peggy Person. In her 74 years, Jeanette taught her family many things. Most importantly, the importance of traditions. Jeanette created the most grand holiday gatherings with an open door policy. Cooking enough food to send you home with meals for the week. Her annual Easter bread making brought the entire family together every spring. Kneading the dough for what seemed like forever, the house filled with laughter. She snapped pictures of flour filled faces and smiles that made your face hurt. All afternoon, when the family had gone, she would bake dozens of loaves for family and friends. Without fail, she would follow up later that evening with a phone call saying the same thing, “Well, I think I overcooked it again. Hope it turns out ok”. Jeanette never forgot a birthday or anniversary. Her calendar was full of ink, every possible white square packed with names of everyone she loved. If she knew you, your name was on that calendar and you received your card right on time. “The Kids” received cards for every possible holiday Hallmark sold cards for, always with a crisp five dollar bill to add to their piggy bank. Jeanette was the rock of the family, ending every conversation with “I love you more today then yesterday” never allowing you be the last one to say “I love you”. In addition to Terry, her husband, Jeannette helped raise and love her step-children Leandra Collesano and Christopher (Mary) Collesano. Her grandchildren Christopher and Sophia Collesano were her sun and moon. She treasured her three brothers and their wives. They were her “sisters” not sisters-in-law; Dale (Mary) DeBacco, Gary (Susan) DeBacco and Darryl (Marlene) DeBacco. Her nieces and nephews were “her babies” no matter how old they got and when they had babies of their own, life was that much sweeter for Jeanette; Marisa (Matthew) Adams, Laura (Joseph Dante) DeBacco; Lana (Ned) Perlman and Dale DeBacco Jr. and great nieces and nephews, Maggie, Ellie, Mack, Garrett and Isla. She is also survived by many beloved cousins who will miss her many phone calls. She was alway checking in on them. Jeanette was a devoted friend to Michele and Andy Vigluci who she always reminded “if it wasn’t for you guys, we’d never leave Lewiston.” She also spent many Wednesday nights in the upstairs apartment with her “wine club girls”, Carol Jacobs and Patty Zahno. She loved all friends as family. Jeanette was predeceased by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Most notably her dear cousin Margie O’Sullivan and special friend, Janice McCaw. One of her final gifts to this world was to be an organ donor through Connect Life. Dearest Jeanette, we love you more. Family and friends may call at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES INC. 401 Ridge St. Lewiston on FRIDAY from 3-7 PM. Funeral Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston 505 Cayuga St. on SATURDAY February 11th at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in Niagara Falls Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston or the Lewiston #1 Fire Co. Ambulance Fund.