Debboli, Mary Jean Clovis
TROY — Mary Jean Clovis Debboli, 96, died peacefully on May 12, 2022, after a brief illness.
Born in Salina, Kan., she was the eighth of thirteen children born to the late Harry and Mary Hazel Clovis.
Mary Jean met and married her husband, Tony, during World War II when he was stationed at Fort Riley, Kan. They moved to Troy and she made a home with Tony’s family while he was stationed in the Pacific. Though not Italian by birth, she adopted her new family’s customs, culture, and especially their great Italian cooking! She brought to Troy her own Kansas specialties, such as her fried chicken and amazing homemade pies. Tony came home in 1945 to meet his firstborn son, Anthony Jr. Their family was completed by the birth of Stephen and Mary Ann. She celebrated 68 years of marriage with her "soldier boy" before Tony’s death in 2012. All who knew Tony and Mary Jean can attest to their loving partnership.
She was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Shrine Church in Troy. She was active in the Parent Teachers Association and the Lasalle Auxiliary. Her volunteering spirit also extended to helping family and friends. Many have shared stories of her willingness to sew, cook, to sew, cook, bake, and help in any way possible whenever needed.
Mary Jean was a homemaker for 22 years before joining the workforce as a secretary for Rensselaer County in both the Department of Health and Youth Services, retiring in 1986. She was respected at work for her secretarial and organizational skills, as well as her friendly, caring personality.
In retirement, she and Tony traveled extensively, visiting children, family, and friends on their cross-country trips. Their fiftieth anniversary trip made Hawaii the 49th state visited. Membership in the Cohoes Community Center introduced them to a whole new circle of friends. Weekly swimming and golf outings with these wonderful people made for a busy, active retirement. Mary Jean loved her role as the organizer of many parties and social gatherings.
Mary Jean always found time for her family. She loved hosting family holiday dinners. Our family cherishes our many memories on Fifth Avenue. She and Tony doted on their grandchildren, attending many sporting events, music and drama performances, and mostly, just being the most welcoming, loving grandparents a child could have.
We are eternally grateful for the loving care and friendship from the staff at Van Rensselaer Manor. Mary Jean often shared how safe and loved she felt there.
She is survived by her two sons, Dr. Anthony Debboli Jr., and Stephen Debboli (Diana Depaul); one daughter, Mary Ann Morgan (Rich), six granddaughters and 10 great-grandchildren as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her daughterin-law, Sharon Nichols Debboli.
The funeral service for Mary Jean will be held on Monday, May 16, at 11 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Church, State Street, Troy where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited to attend and may call at the church prior from 9-11 a.m. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Parkinson’s Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.