JEAN P. COLONNA

Jean P. "Momma Jean" Colonna, 95, of Portsmouth, Virginia passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Jean was born on September 25, 1929 to the late Ruth Marshall Parker and Ralph J. Parker in Portsmouth, VA. She shared many great memories of growing up in the Prentice Park area of Portsmouth.

She was predeceased by her husband John Kahle Colonna and her sister Ruth Spear. She is survived by her beloved daughters Courtney C. Pitts (Ronald) and Caralyn C. Wittersheim (Raymond); four grandchildren, Cabot Pitts (Lily), Corinne P. Banasik (Daniel), Corey Wittersheim (Laura) and Kayla Wittersheim; and four great-grandchildren Piper Pitts, Clara Banasik, Damien and Grant Wittersheim.

Jean was a proud member of her Woodrow Wilson High School, class of 1946. She attended Madison College (JMU).  She was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and president of the Cotillion Dance Club. She was delighted to be named "Miss Madison" of 1950, the year she graduated. She loved her teaching career sharing her wit and passion with young fifth graders.

She married John Kahle Colonna, a career Air Force officer, in 1952. Jean stepped into the role of officers' wife. They traveled and were stationed in Germany, Florida, England, Spain and Nebraska before retiring and returning to Portsmouth. They were married for 37 years before John passed.

Jean was a life-long member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Portsmouth serving as the first woman Senior Warden and member of the Vestry, altar guild, St. Elizabeth Guild and Episcopal Women of the Church.  She was a church lay reader and enjoyed attending church retreats.

She was a member of the Fort Nelson Chapter of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Using her teaching skills even in later years, she was a member of The Executives Club, researching various topics and presenting her reports to the group. Jean loved playing bridge and mahjong with her friends along with her favorite pastime, shopping for clothes and knickknacks. She was blessed to have traveled far and wide with her sister and visited all 50 states. Their adventures also included cruising on the QE2 and the Mediterranean. She enjoyed the Portsmouth Pop Concerts attending Broadway shows, both locally and in New York City, while also introducing her grandchildren to the theater. Jean was a member of the Beasley Babes tap dance group and enjoyed performing her dance moves for various organizations in the local area. She started the Garden Club of North Siesta Gardens in the Churchland area.

Jean was a 41-year breast cancer survivor. She was a resident for the last 9 years at Harmony at Harbourview in Suffolk. The family would like to especially thank all of the various care teams from Harmony and Interim Hospice for their dedicated love and care over the years.

A funeral service will be held Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 500 Court St. Portsmouth, VA 23704. Reception to follow where the family will receive friends.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean's memory can be made to Trinity Episcopal Church Book of Remembrance, Portsmouth Humane Society or Oasis Social Ministry of Portsmouth VA