Jean "Genevieve" Desch

Jean “Genevieve” (Caruso) Desch

Age 93, formerly of Dayton, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at The Forum at Knightsbridge in Columbus where she resided since December 2017. She was born August 26, 1927, in Middletown, Ohio to Tony and Josephine Caruso (DeGianni)).

She was preceded in death by her Mother, Father, and Step Father Joseph Russo, husband, James Desch; two sisters, Gloria Long & Marietta DiNardo, nephews Jerry DiNardo, Joel Long, Christopher Desch, and Gerald Glassmeyer.  Also preceded in death by her two dear friends, Ginny Bolte and Florence Ahl.

Jean graduated from Roosevelt High School and the University of Dayton, where she met her loving husband of 60 years.  Jean worked throughout her high school and college years selling shoes for Schiff Shoes and helped put all of her kids through college as a Sales Associate in the Shoe Department for Sears and Roebuck. Jean also taught school for Saint Christopher, where she was a charter member.

Jean, an amazing homemaker,  lovingly raised and is survived by her 5 children  Monica Desch Garrison and her husband, David, Mark Desch & his wife, Lois, Damian Desch & his wife Laura Beardsley, Anthony Desch & his wife, Terry & Sean Desch & his wife Pearl; five grandchildren, Alexandra (Nicholas), Martin, Ian (& his fiancée, Courtnee Moss), Benjamin (Diane) & Amanda; and by three great-grandchildren, Lucy, Calvin & Parker, nieces and nephews Tracy, Mathew, David, Joseph, and Michael Desch, Debbie Balonier, Kathy Bouchard, Gloria Beavers, Brian Long, and Robert Glassmeyer and beloved cousins Mickey Palmieri and Francie Marshall.

Jean was a woman of so many talents. She was an amazing cook, crafter, gardener, letter writer, storyteller, bridge player, volunteered for an array of causes, and she could throw a party like no one else. Her deep Faith and Conviction guided her every day as she touched the lives of so many people with her words, deeds, and actions. The foundation she created for our family is being built upon to this day and is as strong and sturdy as she was.  But most of all she so deeply Loved her Family and Friends. She is now united in heaven with her fiercely missed family and friends, organizing one heck of a party!

The family will be receiving friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 23, at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 435 East National Road, Vandalia. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. John Tonkin at 12 Noon with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in the name of Genevieve Desch.

Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home (Vandalia) is in charge of arrangements.