Jean E. Mufale

COLONIE - Jean E. (Ryan) Mufale, 84, of St. Augustine, Florida passed away peacefully on February 12, 2008 at Earl B. Hadlow Center for Caring in Jacksonville. She was born in Albany, New York on February 3, 1924 and was a longtime resident of Colonie until moving to St. Augustine in 2004 to be near her family. Always a people person blessed with a caring spirit, she retired from a career in real estate while in her 70's. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary (Swartzfischer) Dexter and James Ryan, and her older brother James; her loving husband, Dominic J. Mufale, and her first husband, Joseph E. Smith.

Jean's inner strength, joy of life and deep faith inspired all she knew. An exceptional cook with a wonderful nurturing spirit, she gracefully touched many lives over the years.

Her memory will be treasured by her two sons, Bruce J. Smith and his wife Linda, of St. Augustine, Florida and Paul J. Smith and his wife, Carole also of St. Augustine. In addition, she is survived by 3 grandchildren; Maj. Jay T. Smith, U.S. Army, and his wife Susan, of South Riding, VA; Nicole (Smith) Nelson and her husband Erik, of Grapevine, Texas; Whitney (Smith) Peterson and her husband Matthew of Atlanta, GA. Jean was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren; Ryan, Katelyn, Neil, Rachel, and Emily Smith of Virginia; Drew and Evan Nelson of Texas. She also leaves two step-grand-daughters, Lauren Smith of St. Louis, MO and Jennifer Smith of Chicago, IL

She is also survived by brothers, Daniel Ryan and his wife Sis, and William Ryan of Albany; Sister-in-Law Dorothy Ryan of Arizona, Brother-in-Law Floyd Smith of East Greenbush, Sister-in-Law Marion McGuire of Slingerlands and Sister-in-Law Alice Mastaitis along with several nieces, nephews and countless friends, especially Valerie and Gary Carlson who were longtime friends and next door neighbors.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at Newcomer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) then to Blessed Sacrament Church, Albany where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made in Jean's memory to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida Foundation, 4114 Sunbeam Road, Suite #101 Jacksonville, Florida 32257.