Jean Monaco Napoli

Jean D’Amato Monaco Napoli, age 81, entered into eternal peace on Saturday (5/18/2024) surrounded by her daughter, Katherine Monaco Cholet and friends at the Hope West - Hospice Ferris Care Center in Grand Junction, Colorado. 

Jean was born on September 29, 1943 in the Bronx, New York to Frank and Sylvia D’Amato (predeceased).  She is survived by her daughter Katherine (Charles) Cholet, her son, Emanuele Frank (Wendy) Monaco, and grandchildren Lucas Frank and Vanessa Lorraine.  Jean is one of 4 children; her older brother, John D’Amato (predeceased) and is survived by her older sister, Rose Machlica, younger brother Anthony (Diane) D’Amato, and many nieces and nephews. 

Jean was a resident of New York, until she moved to Florida, subsequently Arizona, Hawaii and Colorado. Jean graduated St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Bronx New York.  Additional Catholic Ministry education and certifications included Stephen Minister (Church of St. Thomas More, AZ); Ministry of Communion (St. Elizabeth Seton Church, AZ); Liturgical Ministry (St. Elizabeth Seton Church, AZ).    Jean received several accolades as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion from the presiding Catholic Bishops (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Community, AZ and St. Clement of Rome, AZ).  Jean completed a volunteer certification to provide additional reading support and training with the children of Holy Family Catholic School (Grand Junction, CO).   Jean was an active parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church (Grand Junction, CO). 

Jean will fondly and forever be remembered for her love of her children, her family, and deep devotion to her Catholic faith.  In her presence you felt the love of Jesus.  Her daily prayers included the Holy Rosary to the Blessed Virgin Mother, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy to Jesus and prayers for her family, friends and individuals in need of Jesus’ love.   

Jean was a very friendly and outgoing person, displaying compassion to those she met, be it a simple hello, a smile, or sitting with friends or family sharing her time, an espresso, glass of wine, game-night or heartfelt conversation. Jean had a heart for the children of this world.   She showered those children she knew with love and kindness.  She volunteered with the children’s reading ministry to provide them time to practice their reading skills at Holy Family Catholic (Elementary) School (Grand Junction, CO).   

One of Jean’s passions and demonstrations of love, was cooking, and of course sharing the home cooked meal.  She would cook enough food for a dozen people, even though there were 4 in the household.  Jean always had enough food for the feast table.  Jean would say her secret ingredients were love and wine.  Just enough wine for seasoning the food and seasoning the cook.  Those who knew her, can confirm she was blessed with the gift of turning eggs into a delicious and unique omelet, not to mention her red sauce and pasta dishes.  Jean was always prepared to cook eggplant parmesan for her daughter, and chicken parmesan and meatballs for her son.  She always had fresh baked cookies for the children in her circle of love. Bon Appetite. 

Godspeed Jean, you are loved, and shall remain in our hearts until we meet again. Keep dancing Momma~