Mrs. Mary "Jean" Paestella, age 77, a longtime resident of 20 Center Street, Ilion, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday November 25, 2004 at the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home in Ilion. She was born on December 15, 1926 in Frankfort, a daughter of the late Claude J. and Ethel (Miles) Martin. Jean was educated in Ilion schools and had also attended Jordan - Eldridge school in Syracuse. She had lived the greater part of her life in the Ilion area. On August 17, 1946 Jean joined in marriage with Robert A. Paestella at Annunciation Church in Ilion with the Rev. Daniel Horan officiating. Robert and Jean had spent their most joyous times together in the company of their family. They were very close with their children and grandchildren and have so many fond memories captured on film that will often be remembered. The couple had shared in a wonderful union of over 52 years until the passing of Mr. Paestella on February 15, 1999. Jean had last worked in the assembly department with Univac in Utica and was a member of the Ilion/Frankfort VFW Post #502 Auxiliary, along with the Ilion Knights of Columbus Auxiliary. At one time she had also dedicated time to her community and served as an election inspector. Jean always carried a warm smile and a friendly personality. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She is survived by her beloved family including her son and daughter in law: Michael Paestella and his wife Mary Lou of Herkimer, and a daughter and son in law: Anne Clive and her husband Robert "Dobber" of Ilion; her cherished grandchildren: Andrea (Clive) Holmes and husband Kevin of Ilion, Michael Paestella and his wife Melissa of Oswego, and Maria (Paestella) Cyr and her husband Ryan of Clarence, NY; three great grandchildren who were dear to her heart: Alexis, Melinda, and Samantha Holmes; a brother and sister in law: Bernard & Dolly Paestella of Liverpool; several nieces, nephews, cousins and her special feline companion: Socks. Jean was predeceased by her sister: Thelma Martin. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 29, 2004 at 12:15 Pm from the Enea Family Funeral Home, Main Street Between Ilion & Frankfort where prayer will be offered, and at 1:00 PM from the Church of the Annunciation, West Street, Ilion with the Rev. Anthony Barratt, Pastor, celebrating her Mass of Christian Burial. Procession will follow to Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, where interment will take place. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home on Sunday, Nov 28th from 5 - 8 PM. Those wishing are kindly asked to consider donations in Jean's memory to either the Dialysis Unit at St. Luke's Hospital in New Hartford or to the Nursing Scholarship Fund established at the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home. Envelopes may be obtained from the funeral home (894-8000). A very special thank you is offered on behalf on Jean's entire family to the staff of the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, especially mentioning the 3rd floor and Connie for the care and compassion extended. Special thanks is also offered to the nurses of the Dialysis Unit at St. Luke's for their love and concern. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.