Jeanine Schwallie (Gigi) (Ziggy)
12/13/1964 – 10/28/2021
Jeanine Schwallie became a free spirit on Thursday, October 28, 2021. Jeanine is predeceased by her parents, Joan Kemnitz and George Schwallie, Sr. Survived by her siblings: Craig (Katya) Schwallie, Lynda Gammetto, George (Karen) Schwallie, Karen (Ken) Marienau, Scott (Joellen) Schwallie, Todd Schwallie, Lisa (Brad) Bucklin, and Jeff (Joanne) Schwallie; nieces and nephews: Theresa (Carl) Panzica, Jackie (James) Capparelli, Kara (Shawn) Davis, Sheila (Eric) Spoth, Allyson (Scott) Wise, Stephanie (John) Marienau-Turpin, Jennifer (Todd) Zimmer, Aeron (Kelly) Schwallie, Ian Bucklin, Julie Schwallie, Megan Bucklin, Jesse Schwallie, and Sofia Schwallie, 14 great nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, life-long best friends: Lori Giordano Shamp, Jackie Hoadley Larry, and many, many other very dear friends too numerous to mention.
Jeanine worked in the restaurant business as a prep cook and chef. Many of those years were spent at Red Lobster and a few years at Unity Health. She met many friends along the way that have remained close through the years.
Jeanine lived life with a caring, loving, generous heart of gold. She epitomized the quote by William Butler Yeats: “There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t met yet.” Jeanine had a charismatic way of striking up conversations with complete strangers and enriching their lives with her kindness and humor. To know her was to love her! She was an amazing cook and loved to share her meals with family, friends, and neighbors. Her homemade meatballs were a favorite! Her pleasures in life were simple: Jeanine loved spending time with family and friends and her fur babies: Molly, Casey and Riley, her beloved cats over the years, feeding the neighborhood birds, cheering on her favorite teams, the NY Yankees, and the Miami Dolphins, admiring nature’s beauty, camping, and being around water. Jeanine took care of our father in his later years and he took care of her. They were a team! She was an integral part of the reason he lived a full and happy life.
Our family would like to thank our cousin, Julie Hutchings-Knaak, and Jeanine’s neighbors, Frank and Theresa Arena and family and Linda Burns for their many acts of kindness on Jeanine’s behalf. Their love and support for her was so appreciated!
Interment will be held privately at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. A Celebration of Life for Jeanine’s family and friends is in the process of being planned and details will be shared at a later date.
Jeanine was a gentle soul taken from us way too soon. She had such a positive impact on others, and she will be greatly missed! To honor her memory: feed the birds, strike up a conversation with a stranger, enjoy the simple things in life, show kindness to others, and let love always win! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Rd, Fairport, NY 14450 or to the charity of your choice.
I will never be the same. My heart is forever broken without my life long friend of 46 years. Even though we lived 1500 miles apart-it didn’t matter. We still were inseparable as we talked, texted & shared our lives with each other almost daily. Zig had a perfect loving & caring way of life that left a lasting imprint on everyone she met. Until we meet again my friend, I love you LOTS.
Ziggy was a frequent visitor at Clem’s and my Keuka lake house. She never came empty handed and always brought a jar of cashews for Clem. And always her brilliant smile. Clem called her “his surf” because she waited on him and spoiled him and he loved every minute of it. So much so we dresses her up in a white gown, put a veil on her head and he took a make believe sword and as she knelt before him he put the sword on her shoulder and graduated her to a knave. That was ziggy!!! Never a dull moment with her around. From a surf to a knave to a saint. Rest In Peace dear ziggy. Much love, Gayle
Ziggy’s passing will leave a large hole in the lives of so many who were fortunate to be related or a friend of hers. I always had a good time when Ziggy was around. Her smile radiated and you always felt happy around her. She is now partying in Heaven with those in her life who passed before. We all will cherish the memories and will look for signs to reassure us that she is at Peace. Love and hugs, Hallie
I will remember Jeanine the most for her big smile and heart of gold. I had the pleasure of working with her at Red Lobster for many years. She always shared wonderful stories about her family, friends, and trips to Florida. Always beaming with pride when she shared stories about her mom, dad, siblings, nieces, and nephews. I’m so glad i had the pleasure to know her. Rest In Peace, Jeanine. ❤️
Rest in peace my friend. May you find the peace and harmony on your new journey that was tough to find in your later years…. You are worthy and mattered to many. Kathleen Steel
So many memories of beautiful soul…sending love to all… your smile will never be forgotten beautiful Zig!!
Rest in eternal Peace my friend from so many years ago. I remember you as always beung the happiest and kindest person. Deepest condolences to your family and friends.
My Aunt Gigi and I always shared a special bond. Ziggy was my moms best friend since they were 10 years old. I’ve called her my Aunt as long as I can remember because she was family to us in every sense of the word. She used to carry me around on a pillow as a baby. She would always give me the best advice. I could come to her with absolutely anything and no problem couldn’t be solved. I’ll forever cherish our talks when we decided to stay up all night during her visits to Florida. She will be missed more than words can express. I love you so much my Aunt Gigi. Keep watching over me from above until we meet again. I’ll be teaching Cayden all about the sea turtles for you. Fly high free spirit. ❤️
Where to begin. She was one of my ‘other’ lil sistas. 46 yrs ago, not yet Ziggy, she met my sister Jackie or Jake, as she called her, from day one she became part of our family. Coming in the house with a smile and Hi Ma! Always around and became a permanent member of the Hoadley family. I will cherish the last time I had a chance to hug you and tell you I love you on Tuesday before you passed. Our hearts are forever broken. Soar like an eagle free spirit, I will think of you each time I see one overhead at the lake. Rest in eternal, pain free peace.
So many cherished memories. You will be greatly missed by so many. Soar with the angels, Zig. You’re free.
My heart goes out to all of us families and friends Janine was a beautiful person, with a great sense of humor that would light up a room. She will be in my prayers and I will be praying for all the friends and family. Rest in peace Janine we will surely miss you.
My God. I just happened to Google her and read this 🥺We worked together at Red Lobster. God rest her soul.