Jean Bernstein of Tarpon Springs, Florida passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 11th, 2022. In her 92+ years, she was loved and cherished by many. Born Jean Bellet in the Bronx, NY she graduated from Moroe High School at the age of 16 in 1946 and graduated from CCNY and later Adelphi University with a Masters’s Degree in social work. In 1955 she married Marvin Bernstein first living on the upper West side of Manhattan then later settling with their two children her mother and numerous pets in Bedford Hills, NY.
Jean worked as a social services supervisor for special needs children and adults at Westchester Medical Center now Westchester Institute for Human Development, in Valhalla, NY. It was there that she forged many lifelong relationships and in 1992 “The Jean Bernstein Conference Room” was dedicated in her honor.
After moving to Tarpon Springs in 1994, she worked as a social worker for Pinellas County public schools for another 15 years retiring in 2009.
Jean is survived by her daughter Lisa Savvinidis of Tarpon Springs, Florida; son Howard (Catherine) of Clearwater, Florida; grandson Savvas Savvinidis of Astoria, NY; niece Ellen Miller of San Bruno, California and her beloved chihuahua “Bitsy” she also has many “surrogate” nieces and nephews often referred to as Aunt Jean or “Mama Jean”. She was predeceased by her parents Isidore and Anna Bellet, her sister Charlotte Miller and her husband of 64 years Marvin Bernstein.
She will forever be a beacon of shining light in our hearts, mind, and souls.
Visitation followed by “Celebration of Life Ceremony” on Friday, December 16th, 2022 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Dobies Funeral Home, 701 E. Tarpon Avenue, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689
Thomas B Dobies Funeral Home - Tarpon Springs Chapel
Thomas B Dobies Funeral Home - Tarpon Springs Chapel
Florida National Cemetery
Debbie Pizzola
December 13, 2022, 7:53 pm
Lisa, your mother was one amazing woman who will always hold a place in my heart💗she will forever be remembered fondly! You were sucha fantastic daughter to her. The love you both shared was beautiful! My thoughts n prayers are with you.
May Jean’s memory always be a blessing 🙏🏽Love you
Donnalynn Oakes
December 13, 2022, 8:37 pm
Sending love and compassion to Lisa, Howard, Savvas & Bitzy for their loss. Mama Jean was a beautiful soul who touched many lives. While we say goodbye to the physical, we know her spirit’s journey, has only just begun. My memories of her shall live on, and for those, I am grateful. I was blessed to have known her, and honored, to have cared for her.
Claire Zelasko, Lee Zelasko from Wisconsin
December 14, 2022, 2:26 pm
Condolences to Howard and family in this sad news of Jean’s passing. I am sorry that I never had the chance to meet her. .. Catherine always spoke so fondly of her. Hugs.
Diane Lacek
December 15, 2022, 6:18 pm
Sending much love to the family for your loss, Jean was such a wonderful lady. I have great memories of her and the family. Love and hugs to the family.
Rajan Pandhare
December 15, 2022, 6:21 pm
Dear Lisa – I am so sorry to hear about Jean. She and your Dad were such a pivotal part of my life when i was living in Florida. Jean was an extremely lovely person, always a simile, very gracious and i have remained grateful for all her kindness and love. I have always missed her. May her soul rest in peace. With lots of hugs. Rajan Pandhare
Rajan
December 15, 2022, 6:23 pm
Dear Lisa – I am so sorry to hear about Jean. She and your Dad were such a pivotal part of my life when i was living in Florida. Jean was an extremely lovely person, always a simile, very gracious and i have remained grateful for all her kindness, hugs and love. I have always missed her. May her soul rest in peace.
Ellen Coote Spychalla
December 15, 2022, 8:40 pm
I will always cherish you in my life! You and my mom didn’t have to be blood to be sisters – Jinny and Jean! and then we were all family. My son Patrick was also lucky enough to know and love you too. Thank you being kind, loving, funny, caring, always being there for us and all our great memories. Sending my love to Lisa, Howard and Savvas.
Dana Robinson
December 17, 2022, 12:05 am
I worked with Jean at 74th Street Elementary. She was such a sweet lady and would always listen when someone needed to talk. Her husband would visit and he was a wonder man as well. My condolences go out to the family.
Dee & Richard Corso
December 19, 2022, 2:37 am
To our loving Mamala Jean.
Our Memories of our years together, we’ll always remain PRICELESS!! Your were THE BEST@ Loving Us, as well as caring for us!
Our Holiday get Together’s we’re amazing!!! I Always Made The Fresh Ham with Pineapple slices, for New Years Eve, then made You and Papala your Fresh Pea Soup for New Years Day! We have Great and Fond Memories of our loving Neighbors! You will be Missed, My Love 💝R.I.P. 🙏💫Until We Meet Again💞💐🦋💋💋