Jean M. Rhode passed away at her home in New Egypt on Friday, September 29, 2023, surrounded in the love of her husband and family. Jean was 88 years old.

Born in Jersey City on May 20, 1935, to the late Genevieve and John Lee, she resided in Jersey City where she met and married the love of her life Robert E. Rhode in 1955. Jean joined her husband to live in Germany during his time in service and they enjoyed traveling Europe together. Jean and Robert returned and went on to have three daughters JudeAnne, Jeanne and Darlene. Jean resided in the Colonia section of Woodbridge Township for many years before retiring to New Egypt 24 years ago.

Mrs. Rhode was employed as accounts receivable manager with United Paper Company in Edison prior to her retirement and had previously worked in the accounts payable department of Margaretten Financial Corporation.

Jean belonged to the Columbiettes at Don Bosco Council #5809, Knights of Columbus, Port Reading.

Jean enjoyed traveling to Ireland and meeting her cousin still residing in her grandfather's home. Jean really loved planning vacation with her children and grandchildren Disney Land and Sea Cruises, Baltic Cruise, and the Mediterranean Cruise which was her personal favorite visiting the home of the Blessed Mother in Turkey, and a trip to Hawaii.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her grandchildren Joseph, Robert, Julia and Dominic DiSanto, in 1999 and her brother, David Ortmann, in 2011.

Surviving are her loving husband of 68 years, Robert E. Rhode; daughters, Jude Anne Pak of Freehold, Jeanne DiSanto of Colonia and Darlene Zawada of New Egypt; grandchildren, Hanna Lee, Meghan, BreAnne, Makayla, and Makenzie Pak, Rachel and Bianca DiSanto and Dylan, Colin and Kirsten Zawada; and cherished great grandchildren, James Robert Zawada, Luke, Amelia and Micah Lee.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Costello-Koyen Funeral Home (costello-koyen.com), 399 Avenel Street, Avenel. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home, a Mass of Resurrection will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, Avenel. Interment will be in Saint Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.

In lieu of flowers contributions to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org), the ASPCA (aspca.org) or to a local animal shelter Mrs. Rhode's memory would be greatly appreciated by her family.