Obituary of Jean Rossini

Barbara "Jean" Rossini, age 72, passed away in her home on April 20, 2021 due to complications of ALS. She was born December 4, 1949 in Owen Sound, Ontario. She is survived by her loving husband William Rossini, adoring son Steven Rossini, caring brother Gary Smith , loving daughter-in-law Bailey Rossini and her treasured granddaughter Amelia Jean Rossini.  She is greeted in heaven by the loving arms of her dear mother Sarah "Sadie" Smith and her beloved son Carlo.

Jean leaves behind a legacy touching so many hearts during her short time on this earth. It is impossible to measure the amount of lives she changed and love she gave. Jean was a shining light with a love for life. She made the best of out of a bad situation and had no room for negativity in her life. She always had a smile on her face and had a way of “making people feel ten feet tall”.  She rarely spoke a negative word about anyone except Anne Murray. 

She faced many challenges in her life but never let it get her down, and instead channelled that energy into creating good. After losing her eldest son at the tender age of 21 she turned her grief into action  and created the Carlo Rossini Diabetes Foundation, in order to provide care and  resources to those in need. Despite having a terrible illness herself, Jean continued to work at foot clinics as long as she was able. She also launched an annual scholarship to help youth going into the same area of study as her son to further honour his name. Her volunteer work continued within the community, working with the Chatham Film Group, the Chatham Kent Community Foundation, the Cultural Centre, and giving her time and energy to various organizations over the years.   

Jean’s talents included too many to list but she had a passion for sewing. She made quilts for every baby in her life, including friends of Steven. Her cooking and baking could be compared to no other. She was an adventurous traveler and loved to stay healthy and exercise. 

She was a pillar of strength and even when she was diagnosed with ALS she maintained her positive outlook on life and continued working out, playing weekly bridge and hosting parties. 

This is a great loss for not only the Rossini family but for the whole Chatham-Kent community. Jean will live on in our hearts forever. 

Donations made in memory of Jean to the Carlo Rossini Memorial Diabetes Foundation  or ALS Society of Essex County would be appreciated. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040