Jeanne B Szamreta

Jeanne B. Szamreta (Giovanna Baiocco) April 11, 1925

Jeanne was born in Logan, West Virginia and moved to Newark, NJ with her mother and stepfather at an early age. She attended Ann Street School, East Side High School, and later Drake Business College.

She was always a champion of women being able to do anything a man could do. She excelled in Machine Shop in High School and worked as a machinist during WWII, (a Rosie the Riveter). She married her childhood sweetheart, Benny, and had two children. She shifted her career to secretarial work and eventually became the executive secretary to the Chairman of the Board of First National State Bank in Newark, NJ. She also taught business courses at St. Cecilia’s High School in Kearny, NJ, as well as serving as a legal secretary to lawyers in Washington, NJ.

Very proud of her Italian heritage and that her mother was a descendant of Nicolo Paganini, she corresponded with and visited her Paganini cousins at their ancestral home in Caro, Italy. She was an avid reader, gardener, painter, stained glass artist, woodworker, and collector of antiques and glassware. She was also an accomplished seamstress. In her later years, although visually impaired, she would crochet and knit hats and scarves by feel to donate to the needy.

As a faithful parishioner of Saint Theodore Roman Catholic Church where she was a founding member and served as trustee for many years. She also volunteered at Warren Haven Nursing Home and was active in the Mansfield Seniors Club.

Jeanne remarried in 1993 to Phillip Kinney, who she met while they both were visiting each other’s spouses’ graves. They both enjoyed jazz music and often traveled to concerts. Phillip passed in 2018.

Her active lifestyle continued until her failing eyesight and cognitive issues caused her to become homebound. Her final days were spent at the Genesis home in Lopatcong.

Daughter of Giovanni Baiocco and Ermelinda (Nee Paganini), (Stepfather) Serafino Ramos. Sisters Catherine Goodstone and Irene Olszewski and Brother David Ramos. Husband Benjamin Szamreta until his death and then Phillip Kinney. Mother of Kristine Santilli and Benjamin Jr. and their spouses Paul and Elizabeth. Grandmother of Andrew Szamreta, and his wife Jill, Thomas Santilli and his partner Ryan Andress, Sarah Szamreta Tang and her husband Alpha. Great Grandmother of Ashlee, Andrew (Augie), Addison Szamreta, and Kazimir (Kazzie) and Izaak (Zeke) Tang.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday November 17, 2025 from 5-7 PM at the Warren Hills Memorial Home. 234 W. Washington Ave. Washington, NJ 07882. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday November 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Theodore’s Church.

In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice