Jean P Mastriani (Purcell)

Jean P. Mastriani passed away at age 97 on June 9th at the Albany Medical Center in the company of family after a brief illness.

Jean was born on January 3, 1924 in Troy, NY to Dr. John J. Purcell and Anna Mae McGrath. She had one brother John who predeceased her in 1980. She was also predeceased by her husband of 64 years Louis (Lou) and her parents. She is survived by her son John (Debbie) Mastriani of Slingerlands, NY, Mark (Julie) Mastriani of Tucson, AZ, Christopher (Sheria) Mastriani of Palm Beach, FL, three grandchildren, Meagan Mastriani (James Wingo) of Phoenix, AZ, Ian Mastriani of Palm Beach, FL and Nicholas Sherwood of Atlanta, GA.

Jean graduated from the Academy of the Holy Names where she was actively involved in various theatre productions. After graduation, she attended the College of St Rose and from there joined the NY State Highway Department as they were in the midst of constructing the Thruway at that time. Her position there was to interview civil engineers to work on the Thruway and it was there that she met her future husband Louis A. Mastriani. (Lou). Jean was immediately attracted to Lou and not only did she offer him a job, she accepted his proposal and they were married after a six - week courtship.

As the Korean war broke out, Lou was recalled back to service and they moved to Montgomery, AL and then to Syracuse, NY. When Lou’s commitment was completed, Jean and Lou moved back to Schenectady where they started their family.

Jean enjoyed the opportunity to volunteer with many civic organizations over the years as a way to benefit the community but also as a way to keep busy and meet new people. A significant number of her long-term friendships started through her board and volunteer activities. She maintained these friendships throughout her entire life. Some of her activities included the Schenectady Day Nursery, The Schenectady Ballet, The Schenectady Symphony, the Bishop Gibbons Mother’s Club, and the Hugh Platt Garden Club. However, Jean was especially fond of her 40 years plus relationship as a board member of the Heritage Home for Women and the Albany area Ladies of Charity where she actively participated in many of their volunteer activities. She was also most fond of her time at the Academy of the Holy Names and she was asked to participate in a number of their graduation ceremonies. One of her prouder moments was receiving a citation from the New York State Assembly, where she was recognized for her dedicated service and uplifting and encouraging character to all of the groups and organizations, she worked with over the years

Jean had a unique talent for maintaining relationships across decades. Family and her friends were most important to her and she worked at keeping up with all those who were important to her.

When she wasn’t working on a board or participating in a volunteer event or luncheon, she truly loved to needlepoint, Sogetsu - Japanese flower arrangement, playing bridge, reading books with her book club, and being active for many years on the parish counsel of St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Jean on Tuesday June 15th at 12 noon at St Madeleine Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Road, Schenectady, NY. A visitation will be held from 10:30 am to 12 noon at the church prior to the funeral mass for relatives and friends.

In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her honor to The Heritage Home for Women in Schenectady or the Church of St. Madeleine Sophie.