Obituary of Jean Friend

Jean Z. Friend, 79, of Masontown, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at Ruby Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Morgantown, WV on August 25, 1933, a daughter of the late Irene D'alessandro and Pietro DiPalo. Jean was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. She was a member of the St. Zita Catholic Church of Masontown where she served as a Eucharistic minister and was a member of the St. Zita Alter Society. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post #1589. She worked as a nanny for Carlton and Dixie McKinney and also for the Masontown Post Office. She took great pride in being a cancer survivor for 20 years. Jean's selfless service in the community enabled her to touch countless lives. She is survived by five sons; Victor C. Friend III and wife Becky of Birds Creek, Mark Friend and wife Tracy of Herndon, VA, Louis Friend and wife Sherri of Thornton, David Friend and wife Kimberly of Monumental, and John Friend and wife Patty of Reedsville; 12 grandchildren, Victor IV, Tyler, Marcus, Casey, Jordan, Benjamin, Brandon, Abby, D.R., Caitlin, Colton and Makenzie; two great grandchildren, Brandon W. and Isabella; two sisters Lucy Holipsky and Rose Shinaberry both of Morgantown and three special girls in her life, Meredith Blosser, Amanda Cale and Sarah Stewart. Jean is preceded in death by her loving husband Victor C. Friend Jr.; one sister Mary DiPalo and one infant brother. Friends may call at the St. Zita Catholic Church in Masontown on Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 2-8 pm with the Ladies Auxiliary service at 5:30 pm, the scripture prayer service to be held at 7 pm and Friday, September 21, 2012 from 10-11am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Zita Catholic Church in Masontown on Friday, September 21, 2012 at 11 am with the Very Rev. Fr. Mark E. Ward, CP, VF as celebrant. Interment will follow at the Masontown Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Alter Society, care of Catholic Churches of Preston County, 322 East Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537. Condolences may be extended online to the family at www.fieldfuneralhome.com.