Jean Zazzara Vandermark

Jean Zazzara VanDermark, 82, died Sunday July 26, 2015 after a long illness. Born Sept. 16, 1932 in Syracuse, NY to the late Margaret Welch and Giovanni (John) Zazzara, she spent her childhood in Binghamton.

John moved his family to Ithaca where, with her siblings, worked to help their parents, Carmella and John build the family business, The Ithaca Bakery. In 1951 Jean married to Donald VanDermark of Ithaca where they raised their family on the lake with her beloved mother and father-In-law, Wilmer and Helen VanDermark. Working in banking for the majority of her career, Jean will be fondly remembered for her lively spirit, love of life and compassion for those less fortunate. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church where she sang in their choir; she had a love for music, cinema and dancing.

Survivors include her daughters, Lynn VanDermark (Robert Barbean) and Deborah VanDermark (Michael Canner); son, David (Pamela) VanDermark; grandchidren, Chad VanDermark, Heather Howell, Jennifer VanDermark and Will Vandermark Canner; four great-grandchildren; brother, Saino Zazzara; sisters, Victoria, Concetta and Josephine Zazzara; and daughter-in-law, Doreen Bowles; and her long-time companion, Jack Sullivan. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her son, D. Michael VanDermark (2014) and brother, Augustine Zazzara. Jean will be missed by so many who knew her in the community and by her children who were witness to her unending compassion, generosity and unconditional love.

Prayer services will be held Tuesday July 28, 2015 at 12:00 noon at Bangs Funeral Home with Fr. Jeffrey Tunnicliff officiating. Friends may call from 10:30 to 12:00 noon at the Funeral Home prior to the service. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Catholic Charities or the S.P.C.A.