Jeanne Desales Cervone

Jeanne Desales Cervone passed away suddenly on April 30th, 2022, at the age of 71 in Knoxville, TN. Jeanne was born to Edward Raymond Cervone and Emilie Jane (McQuillan) Cervone (both of whom predeceased her) on August 12th, 1950, in Buffalo, New York. Catherine Desales “Jean” (McQuillan) Bonzer and Clarence J. Bonzer served as guardians for Jeanne and Tom and, too, have predeceased Jeanne. She is survived by her brother, Thomas A. “Tom” Cervone (Susan Creswell), and “sisters,” Sally Ann (Bonzer) Drago and Suzette (Bonzer) McClenehan, of Pittsburgh, PA; nephews, Jonathan Edward Cervone (Bowling Green, KY), Brad Richard Drago (Pittsburgh, PA), Michael Martin Mullen III (Kelly) (Pittsburgh, PA), niece, Wendy Lynn (Drago) Bright (Robesonia, PA) (Kenny); nephews, Curran McClenehan (Pittsburgh, PA) and John Daniel Creswell (Kristen) and great niece, Amelia Blake Creswell (Knoxville, TN). And, much love and deep gratitude for Jeanne’s special life coach and confidant, Jean Creswell. Sister, daughter, neighbor, friend - Jeanne’s legacy is her friendly manner, her generosity in accepting each of us just as we are. She saw the good in people, celebrating along with us the victories; and she connected to our vulnerabilities, allowing us to draw closer and share in our struggles. A lover of young children, Jeanne took pleasure in their play and interest in their feelings. A lover of birds - not the brash jays or birds of prey, but the small birds who share their songs of joy - she was in tune with their hopeful hearts and their frailties, their need for human love and admiration. In her own way, Jeanne was not unlike a hopeful bird or a playful child herself - the unforgettable smile like a flash of color on a gray sky, the love of amusement like an antidote for life’s trials. Although born in Buffalo, Jeanne, along with her brother, were both reared in Pittsburgh, PA, following their parent’s untimely deaths. As a result, Jeanne made her home in the “Steel Town,” working as a nurse at St. Francis Hospital, where she fulfilled her life-long dream of dutifully serving those in her care. She relocated to Knoxville, TN in 2005 and lived the remainder of her life blissfully as a converted “Vol” fan and a loyal employee of Aramark food services, sharing her warmhearted and welcoming personality with UTK faculty, staff, and, her most favorite community, of course, the students. Jeanne loved all of Pittsburgh’s sports’ teams, but in particular, the Steelers and Hines Ward and “Big” Ben. Other loves include in no particular order: The Bee Gees, Steve Martin, David Letterman, Columbo, and Barbara Streisand. And music, all music, but in particular, singing along with hits of the 60s and 70s. And she knew every word! Jeanne lived with loss and sorrow, setbacks and limitations, and still she sang, she laughed, she loved others. Whether the wings of an angel or of a feathered friend, Jeanne continues to fly in the next realm - where eternal peace and comfort sustain her undying spirit forever. Good night, sweet princess, and may flights of all of your angels sing thee to thy rest. “Hope is the thing with feathers, That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all.” Emily Dickinson A memorial/celebration of life service is scheduled for Saturday, May 28th, 2022 @ 11AM at St. John 23rd on the campus of the University of Tennessee directed by our dear friend and spiritual guide, Father Charlie Donahue. A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer in Pittsburgh, PA. In lieu of flowers, if so inclined, donations may be made in Jeanne’s memory to the Thomas A. Cervone Graduate Acting Scholarship (she was a huge fan of the Clarence Brown Theatre) at the University of TN, Knoxville, TN, or the National Aviary of Pittsburgh, PA (she loved birds!). Online obituary may be viewed and condolences extended at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Jeanne Desales Cervone

April 30, 2022