Jean McDermott

Jean McDermott (nee Mollica), 99, of River Edge NJ passed away peacefully on July 15th surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of the late Giuseppe and Gaetana Mollica, Jean was born in Guttenberg, NJ, the youngest of four children. Jean’s love of sports started during her childhood, where she danced and was her high school’s shortest point-guard. In her early twenties, Jean met the love of her life, the late Edward McDermott. Jean and Ed met while she was working at Decca Records in Manhattan. They soon married and moved to River Edge in 1950, where she resided for the last 74 years. Jean was the mother of two children, Edward and Kathryn McDermott., and a beloved aunt to her nieces and nephews. Her life in River Edge was a full one. Jean was an active member in the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, with whom she marched every July 4th Parade. She also dedicated countless years as treasurer to the Senior Citizens of River Edge (S.C.O.R.E.), most recently celebrating her 99th Birthday with a proclamation luncheon acknowledging her incredible involvement within the group. Jean’s favorite role was that of a mother. Taking on the role for anybody and everybody who may have needed it. There was nothing she adored more than being a grandmother and great-grandmother to her four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Jean was a staple at every sporting event and was the unofficial scorekeeper for every game she attended. There wasn’t a school play, or ceremony that she missed. In addition to her two children, Edward (Debra) and Kathryn, Jean is survived by her grand-children, Caryn Martini (Jon), Christopher McDermott, Jason McDermott (Lisa), Kelly Zemaites (Joe) and her great-grandchildren Chase, Riley, Dylan, Owen and Caroline. Jean also leaves behind many close friends and family members who will never forget her fun loving spirt, energy and generosity. A memorial will be held at Volk-Leber Funeral Home in Oradell, NJ on July 18th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. A private burial will follow on Friday, July 19th at 10:00am at Flower Hill Cemetery in North Bergen, NJ. In lieu of flowers, Jean’s family invites donations to be made to the River Edge PBA Local 201 – an organization that was near and dear to her heart. Donations may be mailed to River Edge PBA Local 201, PO BOX 201, River Edge, NJ 07661 or via Venmo: @riveredgepba

Jean McDermott

November 5, 1924 - July 15, 2024