Jean Gianfortune (Guenther) Service Information

Jean Elizabeth Gianfortune (nee Guenther), age 91, passed peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of Friday, May 26, 2023, in Abington, Pennsylvania. Jean was born in Mount Royal, NJ to Dr Eugene and Bernice (nee West) Guenther. She was incredibly close to her loving and devoted father and would often frequent the bakery he owned in Riverside, NJ long before she was able to work behind the counter. Jean was also a gracious stepdaughter to Anne Guenther and a wonderful older sister to her brother, Eugene. 

Jean met the love of her life, Philip, at age 15 in her hometown. Although she did not realize it at the time, she was about to embark on what she would describe as the best years of her life. Jean and Phil were married when she was 19, moved to Philadelphia, and proceeded to have four children together. Even though their early life together was full of unexpected challenges, they faced each hardship with love and devotion, to each other and to their children. Jean often said that her only wish for her children was to, “lead a life in service to others.” A task that all of them happily fulfilled because of the amazing example set by their parents. 

Jean loved to cook, a skill she perfected with the help of her Italian mother-in-law. And her happiest times were spent in the company of her children, grandchildren, and later her great-grandchildren. In addition to her unbounded love for her family, her devout faith, and her kind demeanor, Jean was always sharp-witted and quick tongued. Her anecdotes over the years have offered some of the most hilarious memories to her family and friends. Even during the toughest times in her life, such as when she suffered a heart attack, she remarked to the doctor, “Gee, I’ve never had one of those before.” Her children and grandchildren always loved teasing her about her South Jersey accent with words such as theater (pronounced thee-ater) and asparagus (pronounced aspara-grass). 

Jean is survived by her children Nancy Werner-Kaiser, George Gianfortune, and Marianne (Joseph) Bernauer. Her grandchildren Jeanmarie (Michael) Arculeo, John Werner, Philip (Amanda) Gianfortune, Kevin (Elizabeth) Gianfortune, Katherine (Jeremy) Minuto, Anthony (Sara) Werner, Rachel (Matthew) Pascarella, Paige Gianfortune, and Joseph Bernauer. She is also survived by her ten beautiful great-grandchildren and her niece, Michelle (Steven) Krier and family.

Jean is predeceased by her father Eugene Guenther, her stepmother Anne Guenther, and her brother Eugene Guenther Jr. Her beloved husband, Philip Joseph Gianfortune. Her son, Joseph Philip (Debra) Gianfortune, and her granddaughter Debra Ann Gianfortune.

Relatives and friends are invited to viewing Tuesday evening May 30, 2023 from 6 - 8PM at the Galzerano Funeral Home 9304 Old Bustleton Ave. Phila, Pa 19115 and also Wednesday May 31, 2023 from 9 - 10AM at the Maternity BVM Church 9220 Old Bustleton Ave Phila, PA 19115. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10AM with interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery Bridegeboro Rd. Riverside, NJ 08075. In lieu of flowers, Jean's family would greatly appreiate a charitable contribution be made in he name to either the Crohn's and Coitis Foundation (crohnscolitisfoundation.org) or the American Heart Association. Jean leaves an incredible legacy of love and family, services to those in need, and devotion to God. We will miss her greatly and are happy she is watching over us all.

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