Mary Jane Napoleon 94, of Squirrel Hill, formerly of Vandergrift, passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday August 8, 2026. Preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph Napoleon, siblings Gene, Joe, and Tony DePanicis, Dorie Holbrook and Florence Truffa, daughter in law Mary Kay Napoleon. Survived by her loving children Joseph (Julie) Napoleon, Pattie (Larry) Napoleon-Bayan, Dennis (Linda) Napoleon, and niece Janet Levitt. Loving Grandma to Rick (Beth) Napoleon, Tracy (Phil) Thompson, Joe Napoleon, Stephanie Twigg, Katie Jo (Tom) Lloyd, Lauren Napoleon and Jerica (Mike) Moore. Great-Grandchildren, Philip (Caitlin), Logan, Nicholas (Briana), Melaina, Anthony (Ali), Andrew, Jack, Rain (Cody), Brandon, Austin, Tyler, Kenzie, Jaylynne, Jonathan, Jayden, Monroe and Rosaleigh, Great-Great Grandma of Wren. Also Survived by her sister Rose Marie Keller and sisters-in-law Emma and Arlene DePanicis.   

Jennie Napoleon went by many names: Mary Jane, Aunt Jennie, Grandma, GG, and Gram. She was incredibly easy to love— always offering a smile, food and drink, and an “I love you” to everyone. She helped her friends, neighbors, and family with anything and everything, and she considered everyone she met a friend.

Jennie was born to Italian parents alongside her siblings in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. She spent sixty years happily married to her beloved husband, Joseph Napoleon, and together they raised three children in their beautiful Squirrel Hill home. In addition to her home in Pittsburgh, she loved spending time at her cabin in Tionesta with her sisters and their families.

Jennie was always a people person. A regular at the Greenfield Senior Center, she loved to play bingo and join their group trips. For years, she hosted family holidays, where she served her famous meatballs and spaghetti sauce. She loved to play cards with her friends and family. And she never missed her weekly hair appointment, where she saw two of her favorite people. She was a baker both at work and at home. She excelled at making Italian food: lady locks, pizzelles, and biscotti. On top of being gifted in the kitchen, Jennie was a talented crocheter and filled the homes of her family with blankets for years.

Jennie will be remembered most by her generosity, sense of humor, and strength. Anyone in her home was invited to call her Grandma. She was a truly special person who left her loved ones with endless good memories to remember her by, from church with her great-grandkids and milkshakes after, building puzzles at her dining room table, or Christmas dinners with ice cream to follow.

Jennie always did things her way and never complained. If you asked her how she was doing, to the very end, her refrain was “I’m good, thank God.” Her devotion to her faith in times of hardship was inspiring. Although she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her husband, parents, and siblings.

Friends will be received on Thursday from 4pm to 8pm in The Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home 500 Greenfield Ave. 15207. Funeral Friday at 9:30am in the Funeral Home with Funeral Mass at 10am at St Paul Cathedral Parish St Rosalia Worship Site.