Obituary of Jean W. Papa

Jeannette W. (Van Dyke) Papa, age 88 was born on April 7, 1929, and was called home by God on Monday, December 11, 2017. Born in New York she was the beloved daughter of the late Albert Van Dyke and Winifred (DeFreitas) Van Dyke. Jean was also predeceased by her 8 siblings, Albert, Alfred, Harry, Gwendolyn, Lillian, Naomi, Dorothy, and Lanie. She moved to Whitehouse Station, New Jersey in the early 80s’ before settling in Branchburg, New Jersey in 1994

Jean or “Mama Jean” as some called her was a very loving, caring, and humorous, Aunt, Godmother, and friend. She enjoyed having great conversations, traveling and going out with friends.  Jean was a proud and faithful member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. She participated in their Small Church Groups, was in their Hand Bell Choir, and was a part of the Altar Rosary Society. Jean worked very hard all her life and was able to retire from her last job at Raritan Valley Community College as the Administrative Secretary.

However, her biggest accomplishment is being a two-time Breast Cancer survivor. She never lost the will to fight and won the battle. Her perseverance, faith, and strength shined through and she leaned on her Nephew Gregory Shepherd during her toughest battles.

Jean leaves to mourn her: Nieces; Diane, Myra, Pier, Monique, Amanda, Kelly, Harriet, Monica, Kim, Jamea, Jatea, Linda, Melody, Melissa, Dorian, Cheryl, Tanya, Michelle, Nephews; Gregory, Derek, Casco, Gregory B., Michael, Stephen, David, Terry, and a host of great nieces and nephews. Very good friends; Meg and Charlie Farmer, Ron and the Ancrum family, Fay Vergalito, Maryann and the Santino family, and an abundance of loving friends.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:30 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Whitehouse Station, NJ.   Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery, Bridgewater.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse, NJ  08888.