Memorial Trees
J
Jenny and Jesse Treverton
January 10, 2026
J
Jo and Tom Collins
January 08, 2026
R
Rose Adelizzi
December 30, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Jean M. Cristaldi
<p>A beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Jean Mae Cristaldi (nee Ford) of Glenside, PA passed away on December 15, 2025 at the age of 92 at Jefferson Abington Hospital in Abington, PA.</p><p><br></p><p>Jean was born to Laura Louise (nee Hause) and George Ford on February 4,1933. She graduated from Rockledge High School in Philadelphia where she was a talented basketball player and then went on to work at Standard Pressed Steel in Jenkintown, PA as an Engineering Assistant for a total of about 30 years. It was there that she met her husband, Louis Cristaldi, with whom she raised two daughters, Linda and Donna.</p><p><br></p><p></p><p>While raising her family and faithfully attending school events - never missing a field hockey or lacrosse game (with sliced oranges in hand!) - she held several part-time jobs, including working as a cafeteria aide at Abington Senior High School. She loved being around the students, and it was there that her enduring nickname “Mrs. C” was born - a name many of her daughters’ friends continued to use well into adulthood.</p><p><br></p><p>A profound turning point came in 1987 when she lost her husband, Lou, at age 59. She never remarried, instead devoting herself to her family and volunteering at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church where she assisted with administrative projects and the annual rummage sale.</p><p><br></p><p>Jean lived a humble life rooted in love, kindness, and quiet pride of her family. Many fond memories include lively Christmas Eve gatherings in the 1970s and 1980s where the door was always open to guests to toast the holiday with her signature Brandy Alexander. She enjoyed many years bowling at Del Ennis Lanes in Huntingdon Valley, winning numerous trophies, and later became a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan, even when night games conflicted with her bedtime. Above all, she cherished time with her girls and their families.</p><p><br></p><p>She lived in her Glenside home until her final days, honoring her unwavering wish for independence. Jean was kind, accepting, and non-judgmental. In the days following her passing, the family received many messages of condolence, often sharing the same sentiment: she always made me feel special. Jean lived by the belief that people may forget what you said or what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel - a legacy she leaves behind in countless lives.</p><p><br></p><p>Jean is survived by her daughters, Linda McLaughlin (Michael) of Moorestown, NJ, and Donna McCallister (Thomas) of Abington, PA; her grandchildren Meaghan Reid (Brandon), Michael McLaughlin, Jr., Casey Jean McCallister (who carries her namesake), Kelly McCallister, and her great-granddaughter Abigail Jean Reid, born this year and also proudly carrying her namesake She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Cristaldi, and brother, William Ford.</p><p><br></p><p>She also supported several charities, including the Tunnels for Towers Foundation, which assists families of veterans and the first responders of 9/11. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tunnels for Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or by visiting their website at t2t.org/donate.</p><p><br></p><p>A memorial funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 120 N. Easton Road, in Glenside, PA on Sunday, January 11 at 2:00 PM, with visitation from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park in Huntingdon Valley for immediate family only. Guests are encouraged to wear bright and cheerful colors to reflect a celebration of her life and legacy.</p><p><br></p><p>Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who touched Jean’s life and whose kindness and care meant so much to her and our family. To her family, she was lovingly known as “Mimi” and will forever be remembered with warmth and love.</p><p><br></p>February 4, 1933 - December 15, 202502/04/193312/15/2025
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