Mernervia Jean Soberanis, 77, of Hamden, CT, went to heaven, Saturday, January 13, 2024. She was born in New York, NY on January 11, 1947 to the late Lewis Turner and Ida Mae Tyrone-Turner. Jean graduated from Commerce High School and studied at Hunters College in New York, NY.
Jean started her professional career at 19 years old at Gen Re in New York, NY. She started as a secretary, flourished in her career, and quickly ascended through the leadership ranks. In 2002, Jean retired as Second Vice President of Accounting at Gen Re in Stamford, CT.
Jean had many gifts. As a young child she played the bass fiddle. As an adult, Jean loved to be in motion. She was an avid athlete and loved racquetball, tennis, and softball. Her true passion was golf, with ongoing memberships at her local country clubs. After she retired, Jean immersed herself in her new passions – arts & crafts and board games including dominoes and Mahjong. She was a local member of an arts & crafts club, where she weekly would host the “girls” to make greeting cards.
Jean was full of zest, exuded strength and vitality, and her presence commanded a room. Her sense of fashion set the standard for excellence – Jean’s stylish hats, bold accessories, red lipstick, set the trend for all to follow.
Jean is survived by five children: Selene Y. Fleming (Donald, Jr.), of Connecticut; Richard H. June (decd. Heather), of Ohio; Kimberly June, of Pennsylvania; Sherri June and Kelly June, of Connecticut. Jean enjoyed a close bond with her surviving granddaughter Liah G. Sinquefield, who supported Jean’s care during her final stages of life. Jean also enjoyed a close relationship with her surviving grandchildren: Melissa Dorn (Andrew); Caroline Dorn; Kelsey Fragale (Steven); Collin June (Rachel); Liam Bryant (Katherine); Cameron June (Anna); Aidan Bryant; Olivia June; Javon Greenawald; Alex Greenawald and her five great-grandchildren. Jean is survived by her sisters Delores Espiritu; Geraldine “Jerry” Newman (Arthur); Marilyn Gimigliano; her brother Vernon Alexis; as well as her sister in law Elaina Burge, and her brothers-in-law Stephen Gimigliano, Francisco Robateau, Luis Robateau, and Michael Robateau. Jean also had a host of nieces and nephews: Michael Newman; Andrea Cermeno (Juan); Stephanie Gimigliano-Maandouche (Marouane); Stephen Gimigliano; and Lisa Gimigliano, whom she cherished and loved dearly.
Jean was preceded in death by her former husband Leo E. Soberanis and her second husband Richard June Sr.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting you make a donation to your favorite charity.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Cornerstone Christian Center, 349 Wheelers Farm Road, Milford, CT. Visitation will occur at the church from 9:00-10:00 AM. The entombment will be in the mausoleum at All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Avenue, North Haven, CT.
The service will be live-streamed via the following link: https://www.facebook.com/100091682711946/live_videos/
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To my dear Friend, my Colleague, my Sister,
I will cherish all of our memories together both in and out of the office. You have made me laugh each and every day and I couldn’t have made it through a grueling work day without you! Oh how we all loved you on the Gen Re softball team. You were our guaranteed “home run batter” every time at bat, but running the bases to score that home run was a whole different story!! We never saw anyone so powerful a hitter run that slow!!! How we laughed at that.
I will never forget your annual July BBQ parties at your house in Shelton, your wedding to Dick, where we all played volleyball afterwards, my slumber parties with you on weekends at your house in Shelton and later in Florida, our business trip to Maine, how when you met my Dad for the 1st time you said “ why didn’t you tell me your father was so fine, I could have been your black mama” or when we went to lunch each week and you would say “ don’t make me eat too much because my skirt is so tight” or when we joined the GenRe gym together and one of our colleagues was “completely naked” prancing around the locker room and you and I laughed uncontrollably.
I can go on and on because our friendship covered over 35 yrs and it was the best 35 yrs spent with you.
I love you “My Buddy” forever. Rest now, eat all you want, play golf, rejoin all your loved ones in Heaven until we meet again.
Your “True Buddy” Terry
The Harris Family sends our deepest prayers, condolences, hugs, and love to our sister Selene, brother Ray, niece Liah and entire family. We are so saddened about the passing of Mrs. Jean but find solace she is resting peacefully with Jesus. Mrs. Jean was full of love and light. May the peace of God and outpouring of love and support bring comfort.
We love you.
Sending loving prayers and comforting thoughts to Selene, Ray, Liah, Aunt Gerry and the entire family. I loved Jean and her spirit and I really enjoyed talking to her. I admired her strength and her love of life. May your cherished memories of her bring a smile to your face and peace to your hearts.
Love, Laverne & Rashad
Jean: We have so many memories of you that I could write a book!!! No one would believe it though. You were a dear friend for so many years, not to mention the classiest act at General Re!!! You could whack that softball right out of the park, followed by your tiptoe running of the bases, stopping along the way of course to ask various people “Do I look pretty?” The Halloween parties at our house were legendary, and everyone always anticipated the arrival of Jean and Dick, who seemed to outdo themselves every year. So much fun.
And the annual barbecues. Food, fun and volleyball. Terry ended up with the grocery list and I did all the barbecuing from the upper deck at your house. And Jen saved the day once, when you put the Stouffer’s lasagna in the oven without taking the wrapping off!!!
West Point football: Who was the only tailgate group with a mini chandelier and a five-stick candelabra? Why us, of course. You put the touches on everything.
You were a gift to the world and to all of us. Your sense of class, professionalism, kindness, great humor and compassion will never be forgotten. I never laughed so much as when I was with you. You were, and still are, a legend.
We’ll party on the other side, but until then, rest peacefully, Mernervia:)
Dave
xxxx
Selene, you have my sincerest condolences. I pray that God’s grace will guide and comfort you during this difficult time.
Paula
Jean brings back wonderful memories of energy, encouragement, laughter and smiles. I am thankful for all the times we spent together working, talking, having fun. The Queen. With all the joy you have brought to the world may you rest now free from pain, your laughter echoing through so many peoples thoughts and memories as we mourn and celebrate at the same time. Missing you, but thankful that for time you were in our lives. – Juice