Online Obituaries

Jean Marie Rinaldi of Chicopee, MA passed away peacefully in her home on March 16, 2025.  She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, friend, and teacher. Born Jean Marie Zdon in August 1940 in Chicopee, MA to the late Lena Ann (Borek) and John Zdon, Jean grew up in Chicopee with her two sisters she adored, Lorry and Jackie. Jean was married to her beloved husband, Joseph N. Rinaldi, for 35 years until he passed away. She is a proud graduate of Holy Name Grammar and High School and alumna of College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, MA. Upon graduating from Elms College, Jean embarked on a career in elementary education. While she spent her entire 40-year career in the Chicopee Public School System teaching grades 2 through 6, most of her career was spent teaching third grade at Bowie Elementary School. She always found joy in her students and loved being a part of their lives and motivating them to learn about the world around them. A woman of faith, Jean was a life-long communicant of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr and prayed the Rosary daily. Jean loved traveling, bowling, theater, playing cards, sports, ice cream, m&m’s, and any time spent at the Cape. But mostly she loved being with her family and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, in 2004 and her eldest sister, Dolores (Lorry) Midura in 2018. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Rinaldi and son-in-law, Kevin E. Thorn; her sister Jacqueline Hope; sister-in-law Carol Waniewski and her husband, Michael; and her brother-in-law, Lawrence Rinaldi and his wife, Shirley. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as cousins, and in-laws, all of whom she loved dearly. Jean also cherished her circle of many wonderful friends – those she leaves behind and those who passed before her – who were like family to her throughout her life. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Chapel at Elms College, at 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA on Saturday, March 29 at 11:00am; followed immediately by burial services at St. Stanislaus Cemetery at 800 Montgomery Street in Chicopee, MA.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.