Obituary of Jean C. Ciampa
Jean C. Ciampa, 80, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted nurse, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Somerset, NJ, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on November 23, 1943, at Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, NJ, to Joseph and Marion Campolattano. Raised in Plainfield, she made her home in North Plainfield in 1966, where she would reside for the next 48 years before spending her final decade in Somerset, NJ.
A graduate of Plainfield High School in 1961, Jean embarked on her professional journey with a strong work ethic and a drive to serve. Her early roles included clerical work at Plainfield Trust and a secretarial position at Bell Labs. In North Plainfield, she served as a secretary for the local Board of Education. When Jean was in her 40s, she pursued a lifelong dream, earning her nursing degree from Caldwell College. This achievement led her to a fulfilling career in nursing, first at Muhlenberg Hospital and later as a Registered Nurse for Woodbridge Township Public Schools, where she was known for her compassionate care and dedication until her retirement in 2004.
Jean's faith and devotion to her family were her guiding lights. She was a lifelong Catholic, deeply rooted in St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church in Plainfield, where she completed all her sacraments. It was at St. Bernard’s Catholic Young Adult Club where she met Nicholas, the love of her life. They married in 1964, beginning a journey that spanned six decades. After moving to Somerset, Jean became an active member of St. Joseph's Church in Millstone, NJ, where she continued to practice her faith.
A dedicated volunteer, Jean gave her time to causes close to her heart. She was deeply involved in two scholarship committees: the Italian American Club Scholarship and the Julie Ciampa Farnoly Scholarship Fund, which honors the memory of her beloved daughter. Jean was also committed to Metavivor, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds for metastatic breast cancer research, in memory of Julie.
Jean found joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments. An avid gardener, she adored floral gardening and was a proud member of the Sea Lavender Manasquan Garden Club. Her love for the beach drew her to the shores of Manasquan, where she and her family created cherished memories. Jean also loved reading and was an enthusiastic participant in a book club at Canal Walk in Somerset. A fan of word games, she enjoyed playing Wordle and Words with Friends, finding delight in every victory.
Music was woven into Jean’s life, especially through her love of the piano. Although she played more often in her younger years, she would occasionally sit at the piano to play for her family, creating tender moments that will forever be treasured. Jean’s passion for travel took her on memorable trips to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, and many vacations in Naples, Florida, each experience bringing new joy and memories. Yet, of all the activities she enjoyed, nothing compared to the love she felt for her family, who were her heart’s true joy. She was especially delighted to welcome her first great-grandson, Desmond, born just two months ago, bringing her immense pride and happiness.
Jean was predeceased by her daughter, Julie Farnoly, in 2023; her two sisters, Dorothy Giannotti in 2012 and Jo Ann Dellaperute in 2019; and her parents. She is survived by her beloved husband, Nicholas Ciampa; her two children, Christine Ciampa and Joseph P. Ciampa and his wife, Jennifer; son-in-law, Matthew Farnoly; five adored grandchildren, Kelly Pluymers, Megan Detwiler and her husband, Ethan, Samantha Pluymers, Andrew Ciampa, and Benjamin Ciampa; her precious great-grandson, Desmond; her dear sister, Vivian O’Neil; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Jean’s gentle spirit, boundless love, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 14, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, November 15 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, 34 Yorktown Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and legacy. Cremation services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, reflecting Jean’s compassionate spirit and her lifelong dedication to helping others. Jean’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who loved her and shared in her journey, honoring a remarkable life devoted to faith, family, and service.
