Obituary of Sylvia Jones

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Sylvia (DeStefano) Jones, 73, of Wayne, NJ. She passed on Saturday, January 16, 2021 due to complications of Covid-19. Sylvia hailed from a proud Italian family in Paterson, NJ. After many years of supporting ALL of her brother’s athletics events, and being known as everyone’s little sister, Sylvia’s father gave her a choice—her dream car, a blue 1964 Thunderbird, or attend college to pursue her aspirations. Sylvia graduated from William Paterson College, and became a math teacher and mentor in the Paterson Public School system. She never regretted it for a moment. She made a positive difference in many lives and cultivated lasting friendships. Sylvia was a loving and supportive wife for 48 years to her adoring husband, Jerry. They were constant companions and the best of friends. Sylvia was a nurturer and friend to all, a daughter, a sister, a wife, an aunt, a mother, and most proudly, a grandmother. She loved unconditionally, quietly, and bravely. Sylvia was non-judgmental, a safe confidante, a best friend, a companion, and a partner in all things. She was refreshingly uncomplicated, a dependable constant in a world full of impossible variables. She listened more than she spoke, often kept her advice to herself unless asked, and was not only the voice of reason, but also the moral compass by which many good decisions have been influenced. Although quiet and gentle, unbeknownst to many, Sylvia had an appreciation for dark “ill-timed” humor and a tendency toward what she would refer to as “completely inappropriate” uncontrollable laughter, the kind of inaudible hysterical laughter that would not only contort her body and cause tears to stream down her face, but would also cause so much alarm to those around her that they would immediately make her sit on the ground for fear of her falling out of her chair. Her smile was contagious, but her laughter was downright infectious. Sylvia found joy in books, movies, playing online solitaire, caring for her plants, her faith, and in her family and friends. She cooked a mean penne with broccoli and always made her famous mashed potatoes and pumpkin squares for her adoring granddaughters as a staple to every holiday. Sylvia was deeply faithful, and had a close connection with God. She often took mental notes of all the people she would be sure to “put in a good word for” later on and recounted many times how Jesus drove her car in moments of near danger. She was a believer and supporter of all things good, simple, and pure. She is survived by her husband Gerald A. Jones, her children, grandchildren, siblings, niece, nephews, cousins, and an army of friends, students, extended family, and loved ones. As this pandemic has so deeply affected our world and our family, we ask that you choose to pay your respects in whatever way you feel is the safest and most comfortable. We have made available a virtual wake/viewing and a socially distanced pass-through viewing. Masks required. For the safety of ourselves and others, we have chosen to participate in a small and private family ceremony led by our dear friend, Father Peter Doody. Virtual Ceremony to honor the life of Sylvia Jones: Date: Saturday, January 23, 2021 Time: 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Link to ceremony viewing page: https://livestream.com/aritonvideolive/sylviajones Socially Distanced In-Person Viewing: The viewing is available to anyone who needs it for their own healing and closure. The immediate family will not be in the building at that time, so please do not feel obligated to attend on our behalf. Date: Saturday, January 23, 2021 Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Location: Moore’s Funeral Home, 1591 Alps Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470 Masks required. Per Sylvia’s wishes, we ask that in lieu of flowers or gifts for the family, please consider a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as she was in passionate support of their foundation. https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html Other ways to honor Sylvia’s life and celebrate the tremendous impact she made on the world around her would be: to order in Chinese food, make popcorn for a loved one, read a good book on a rainy day, visit the ocean, light a candle, say a prayer, eat ice cream, call the people you love, dance to Andy Williams, hold someone’s hand, and give love entirely, eternally, and unconditionally.