Jeannette H. “Jean” Andress
September 15, 1935 - January 16, 2026
Please be aware that the service date has changed from Monday, January 26th to Wednesday, January 28th.
Jeannette H. “Jean” Andress, age 90, lifelong resident of Historic New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Born in Wilmington, DE, on September 15, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Martin P. and Jennie J. (Cattano) Chirco.
Jean devoted forty-five years of her professional life to the hospitality industry working as the General Manager of the Holiday Inn of Penns Grove, New Jersey as well as the Holiday Inn of Newark, Delaware. She was the third female General Manager nationwide with Holiday Inn. Additionally, she served as treasurer of the New Jersey Hotel and Motel Association. Working in the hospitality industry, Jean loved to travel both nationally and internationally.
Deeply committed to service, Jean was an active member of the Newark Rotary Club where she was honored as Rotarian of the Year numerous times in recognition of her outstanding contributions and community involvement. At Christmastime, Jean found great joy ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Additionally, she was a faithful member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish and an active participant at the New Castle Senior Center. In her quieter moments, Jean found joy in gardening, bird watching, and listening to music.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Anna O. Toner, Josephine L. Kolasinski, Nicholina C. Petro, and Rosalie M. Pucylowski. Jean is survived by her children, Maria “Mia” Cirks (Jeffrey, Sr.) and Walter “J.R.” Andress, Jr.; sister, Elaine A. Ford; grandchildren, Jeffrey Cirks, Jr. (Kylie), Taylor Cirks, Conor Cirks, Ethan Andress, and Jakob Andress; and great grandchildren, Quinn, Lucy, and Odin.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 am on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am, following the visitation, at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 North Dupont Highway, New Castle, DE. Entombment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, at the address above or online by clicking here.
Marianne Oratorio
Sincere sympathy at the loss of your Mother. May her soul know the Peace of the Heavenly Kingdom 🌹🌹🌹
Jessica
She was a wonderful woman
Patricia Conley
The Conley family sends deepest condolences to Aunt Jeans family and friends. She leaves a void in several hearts but is in heaven enjoying playing canasta with her sisters.
Linda & Rich Foskey
What a beautiful, compassionate and loving person. Jean will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.
Jack Hicken
My sympathy and condolences to Mia and the entire family for their loss.
Irene Kerrigan
Thoughts and prayers for the family! The pictures are beautiful! Glad you have these wonderful memories of moments shared. God Bless! Irene Kerrigan
Letcher (Tony) Whaley
Our deepest condolences for the loss of your mother.
The Whaley Family
Shirley Good
Sincere sympathy at your loss. Jean was a kind wonderful person.
Kathryn Jones
She was a very sweet lady. Jean and her sister Niki were the sweetest women I knew. I will never forget her.