Jean Marie Befus

Jean Marie Befus, age 99, of West Haven passed away peacefully on November 16, 2023.  She was the loving wife of the late John G. Befus Sr.  Jean was born in Duluth, MN, daughter of the late Magnus and Anna Amrin Riveness.  She is survived by her daughter Sharon Zahariades and her husband Steve of West Haven, daughter-in-law Janet Befus of Northford, grandchildren, Ashlie (Jon) Kendall, Kyle (Jen) Befus, Steven (Joyce) Zahariades, Michael (Deb) Zahariades, Marc (Michelle) Zahariades, and Nicole (John) Sullivan, great grandchildren, Lea Zahariades, Kelli (John) Schmaltz, Mitchell, Griffin & Connor Zahariades and Logan Zahariades, Liam & Jack Sullivan, and Jacob Kendall and great- great-grandsons, Oliver Zahariades and John David “JD” Schmaltz.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son John G. Befus Jr. and her sister Evelyn Riveness. 

Jean was a proud US Navy Veteran, serving in the Waves during WWII.  For her professional career, she worked as a bookkeeper.  Jean was a longtime congregant of the First Lutheran Church, West Haven.  She enjoyed volunteering for many years at the Noble Senior Center and the Savin Rock Museum.  Jean enjoyed her many walks on the beach, decorating her home for the holidays, tending to her flowers, but mostly she loved spending her time with her family.  It was truly amazing to have 5 loving generations together at once.  Jean’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Seacrest Retirement Center for all the kindness, care and love they gave to her during her residence there, it was greatly appreciated.

The hours for visitation will be held on Monday from 11:30am-12:30pm at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green.  A Funeral Service will commence at the funeral home at 12:30. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s name to Constellation Hospice 240 Indian River Rd, Orange, CT 06477.

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