Obituary of Jean Ravalli

Jean Howison Ravalli (Turner) - December 1, 1927 - April 28, 2024 Jean Ravalli passed away peacefully at 96 years young on April 28th in Brick, New Jersey where she had relocated to from Oceanside six years ago to be closer to family. Jean was the matriarch of the Ravalli family and her greatest treasure was the family she created with the love of her life John. Born to a single mother, Vera Turner, in Bridgeport Connecticut in 1927, Jean was the youngest of three children (Bertil & Eleanor). She overcame great odds and moved around often during the course of her childhood. She moved to Long Island in 1937, eventually settling in Oceanside, where she would live for most of her life. There she met John and built their family surrounded by a tapestry of faith, friends, neighbors and extended family. Jean Turner met John Ravalli when they were both in high school and working at the local A&P. When John went to fight in Europe during World War II they kept their love alive in letters - letters that she kept all of these years, reread and shared as she did with so many mementos and photographs illustrating a life well lived. Jean and John were married September 19, 1948 at the First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside where they later became church elders. They could always be found enjoying life together and set an example of a marriage based on both love and friendship. In 1950 they bought a brand new house on Chester Street where they welcomed John Alan in 1952 and Charles Edward in 1954. They filled that house with memories and it was always a place where everyone felt at home. Jean had a zest for life and was always organizing activities with John and with her beloved sorority sisters whom she met at Oceanside High - from Bridge, The Garden Club, to Square Dancing and Cross Country road trips Jean was always ready to create memories and experiences. Later in life she found so much joy in her happy place, Briny Breezes Florida, where they made great friends and enjoyed the ocean every day. She will be remembered for her sharp wit, her incredible memory, her ability to stay in touch with people near and far (including an impressive command of social media), and her fierce dedication to her family. Family was Jean's treasure, she documented every moment in photographs and cherished every one. She loved having her family together and relished every minute she could with her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren until the very end. She lived a long life and she is now reunited with the love of her life, John - dancing, joking and having fun the way we all remember them. Jean will be lovingly remembered by her sons John Alan (Maggie) and Charles Edward (Robyn), grandchildren Jennifer Leigh (Michael Tebesceff), John Daniel (Jennifer), Ryan Charles (ToniAnn). Matthew Todd (Elise) and her great grandchildren Madeline, Abigail, Jack, Samuel, Samantha and Evan. She will also be dearly missed by her extended family Rose and Bruce Sellers, Michael Sellers, Joanne Sellers-Cole, Shirley Otten and many wonderful friends and neighbors. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John, brother Bertil Turner, sister Eleanor Anderson and mother Vera Turner. Please join the family to celebrate the life of Jean Ravalli, a visitation will be held on Sunday May 5, 2024 from 3:00 PM - 7pm at the Towers Funeral Home 2681 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday May 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside 2701 Oceanside Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572. Burial will follow at Calverton National Cemetery 210 Princeton Blvd. Calverton, NY 11933 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jean's memory to First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside 2701 Oceanside Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572.