Jean Marie Stella

Surrounded by family in her home, Jean Marie Stella (nee Behrman), 94, peacefully passed away on September 2.

Pre-deceased by her husband Armand, Jean is survived by her brother Robert, her children Chris (Bobbie), Karin, and Alison (George) as well as adoring grandchildren Matthew, Christina, Liam, Julia, Jack (Lauren), and Niki (Mat).

Born in Manhattan, Jean's life was filled with family and friends as well as hobbies that she seemed to master effortlessly. A stunning young photographer in New York, she was "discovered" spending several years as a fashion model before meeting and marrying Armand and ultimately moving to Ridgewood, NJ to raise her family.

Via carpools, scout troops, neighbors, and children's parties, she made lifelong friends in town. For years, she would enjoy and excel at playing tennis on a daily basis at the Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club. Always a lover of fine things, she also enjoyed the arts; regularly attending the latest New York museum exhibitions as well the Metropolitan Opera, not to mention an occasional peach ice cream cone from Van Dykes. Ultimately, it was painting that would become her passion and full time endeavor. She immersed herself in this activity, earning a Masters in Fine Arts and having her work exhibited and admired in local shows and galleries.

In addition to all of her talents, charisma, and charm, it was her perfectly balanced combination of kindness and irreverent quick wit that made her irresistible. While her delivery always made you feel loved, the inclusion of a subtle message to ensure you didn't take yourself too seriously was never missed; an invaluable gift that she handed down to her grateful children. Per her wishes, Jean's life will be memorialized privately with her family.