Jean Elizabeth Placido was born in Detroit, Michigan November 21, 1939 and moved to Arizona in 1962 with her parents Mary and Dominic and brother Rick. Her parents knew she was special from early in her life and never wavered in their love and care for her as she lived with them for over 67 years. When it was time to live on her own, she charged right in with a positive attitude, never looking back. She was then blessed to live in a group home family with wonderful roommates and many loving care givers.
Jean loved music and dancing. As a teen she would swing dance with her bedroom door while holding on to the handle. This enjoyment of music and dance carried on for a lifetime, up to and including most recently, Friday dances with her friends. The radio was ever present with Jean, the oldies were her favorites, switching from station to station until she would land on the perfect song and was very adept at guessing the artist.
Sports were also an important part of her life. She enjoyed bowling and was a big fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns; watching them on TV and going to games with her family. Jean had many Suns and DBacks shirts and memorabilia she wore and displayed proudly and was always happy to get more. Even on her last day with us she wanted to know if the Suns won.
She also enjoyed her calendars and magazines, always looking forward to the next arrival of a magazine or receiving the gift of a calendar. One of her favorite activities was underlining and circling each of the letters in magazine articles as if creating a secret code no one else could figure out. The diligence Jean displayed working in her magazines was also ever present as she put together jigsaw puzzles piece by piece by piece, collecting helpers along the way, and never giving up until the last piece was placed.
Loving, happy, courageous, strong in spirit and always caring about others was the essence of Jean. She loved her family and friends unconditionally and was always very interested in what was happening in their lives. She never met a party she didn’t want to attend and was always thinking about the next time family or friends were going to gather.
Jean lived a simple and deep life; laser focused on others: happily caring about them and what was happening in their lives, always before herself. This was the gift she gave us (and remembering everyone’s birthdate). We’ll think of her always and hopefully remember what she taught us with her simple and pure beauty.
She was preceded in death by her parents Dominic and Mary Placido. She is survived by her brother Rick Placido and wife Ellen; niece Katie Fumusa (Placido) and husband Vince; great nephews Jacob and Aaron Fumusa; great nieces Rose and Grace Fumusa; Nephew Vince Placido and wife Allison Ghan; great nephews Francis and Anthony Placido; niece Mary Gomez (Placido) and husband Esteban Gomez; great nephew Dominic Gomez; and cousins Barbara Graham and Albert Guzman.
A Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M., at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., in Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be held the following day, Monday, April 3, 2023 at 10:00 A.M at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th St., in Phoenix. Burial will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St., in Phoenix. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome
Chris McCormack
Jeannie was such a joy to everyone who spent time with her. Her generosity of love and attention was intense. When she asked you what was new in your life, it wasn’t just a pleasantry – she really wanted to know! And the update you gave her would go into the steel trap of her memory so you knew she would no doubt bring it up again, wanting yet another update! She remembered details of my life that I had completely forgotten! I don’t know how much self awareness she had of her disability and how it made her different, but I do know that I never heard any notion of self pity or resentment. She was truly her own woman; and our Jeannie. And I will miss her. Jesus please grant Jeannie eternal rest in the perpetual light of your love. RIP.
Kelli Kopkash
Jeannie was a part of my childhood and adult years. The Placido family visits always shined bright with Jean’s presence.
It’s been awhile but my love goes out to all Placido’s. This loss is grand and I hope you find solace in the time had and love shared.
My deepest condolences,
Kelli (Rush) Kopkash
David
Jean was such a wonderful and thoughtful person; she was always able to put smile on anyone’s face.
Sincerest condolences to the family of Jean. She will surely be missed by everyone.
Rest in Peace Jean.
John and Kyran
Jeannie is a good friend who will be missed. She was a social butterfly who met and touched so many people. She often made an immediate connection with first-time acquaintances, whom it seemed she never forgot. On one occasion our son brought a college classmate over, Andrew Spidahl. I believe Jeannie only met Drew one time, yet over the next several years she would ask us, “How is Drew doing?” She cared about people and missed them in her life. She never forgot our birthdays or any important dates.
Jeannie used to love bowling, and I believe she still scored over 100 when she was in her seventies. Mostly she loved the camaraderie of being with special friends at the bowling alley (especially Tony).
Jeannie could make a party atmosphere out of any gathering. Even when she was in the hospital with severe asthma, she would have the whole nursing staff around having fun. She made everybody happy.
Her kindness and warm personality will remain a beacon of light always in our lives. We know that Jeannie is already united with Jesus and Dom and Mary. Jeannie we miss you and look forward to seeing you again.
Billy Parker
Jean was a sincere pleasure to know all these years and really defined what it means to be a joyful person. We will all miss her greatly and have so appreciated support from her family. Jean, rest in peace and we will hold you in our hearts.
Pamela Butler
Dear Rick and Ellen,
I am blessed to have been one of the uncountable many loved so deeply by dear Jeannie. I loved being loved by her. A special memory was going to the movies w Jeannie and some of my dear Phoenician cousins. I believe to see Frozen 2. I sat next to Jeannie in those delightful lounge-chair movie seats. Stretched back right next to Jeannie, I was privy to her chuckling to herself throughout the movie. Plus her occasional comments , ‘he’s so cute, I love him’ referring to one of the characters. It was pure delight. Another outing was a morning of short movies in support of people w disabilities starring people w disabilities or produced by people w disabilities. Part of that heart-rendering day was watching Jeannie arrive w her friends; a bit of a celebrity; as many were greeting Jeannie while she was simultaneously saying hello to numerous friends and acquaintances. I’m so glad for what would be our last time together; a leisurely brunch outside at The Vig. . I can still feel all the many times Jeannie would grab my hand and hold on to it as we walked or sat together. May Jeannie be rejoicing now with all who loved her so …now amongst the communion of the Saints. God Bless you Rick and Ellen. Deepest, deepest love and sympathy as you mourn the passing of your dear Jeannie. Thank you for sharing your precious Angel with us over these all these amazing years. Love and prayers, Pam
Nicole C
My sweet Jeannie you were such a caring and thoughtful person and I will miss her dearly. I am so blessed to have crossed paths and make memories that would last a lifetime. I will miss watching baseball with her (as I would say go Dodgers) I will miss your sweet voice asking how are the girls you always brightened up my day just being you! To the placido family my prayers and condolences go out to you all and to Rick and Ellen Jean spoke so highly of you both and always looked forward to seeing and spending time with you both.
Angela Hauber-Hoffman
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. So many wonderful memories with sweet Jeannie. Always courtside, cheering on the Seton Sentinels.
Love, Angela Hauber-Hoffman and family
Lynn Thackrah Custer
Jeannie alway seemed like she was so full of love and joy, the very few times I had met her. She lived a full and beautiful life with a living and caring family.
May the Lord be with her and I hope she has continued her dancing in heaven .
My sincere condolences, Lynn Thackrah Custer
Kaylen S.
Jean’s bright smile always lit up a room. She will be greatly missed. Condolences to Jean’s family.