Jean D. Ustaszewski

We celebrate the beautiful life of Jean (De Fazio) Ustaszewski who passed away on September 16, 2024 at Reading Hospital. She was born in 1952 at the same hospital, the only daughter of Eugenia (Kolasa) and Frank De Fazio.

Jean graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1969 and achieved a Bachelor of Science degree from Alvernia College in 1973. She returned to her alma mater in 1974 to teach Biology. Her servant leadership in the education of youth continued for over 40 years. She influenced multiple generations of students. Jean was involved in the annual Berks County Science Fair competitions which allowed her students to boost their creative curiosity and ingenuity with experimentation. After retirement, she continued to be involved in teaching through substituting at ICA and St. Catharines of Siena School. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren at Berks Nature. She supported the format of education that Berks Nature provided to the children, developing their love of science through interaction with nature and the outdoors. Jean had a profound influence on the development and education of her grandchildren. Her love of teaching inspired her granddaughter to follow her example and become a special education teacher.

For much deserved escapes, Jean enjoyed taking cruises and enjoying vacations with family and friends. She was particularly fond of visiting Rehoboth Beach, Delaware during the summers,

Jean is survived by her husband, Kerry; daughters, Hallie and Tara (husband Timothy Shade), all of Exeter; grandchildren, Grant and Lilah Shade; and brothers Anthony and John De Fazio. She was predeceased by brother Phillip De Fazio who was killed in the Viet Nam War in 1968.

In lieu of flowers or if you would like to thank Mrs. U for her dedication in teaching, please donate to Berks Nature at the following link and indicate in the special notes section that donation is in memory of Jean Ustaszewski: https://support.berksnature.org/giving-level

Services for Jean will be held privately. A Celebration of her Life will take place at a later date to be announced.

Thank you to everyone for there support and prayers during this time.