Jean MarieSchnetzerDeSantis

Jean Marie (Schnetzer) DeSantis, 98, of Jupiter, passed away on August 12, 2026, after a long and beautiful life. She was born on October 3, 1927, to Henry and Iris Schnetzer and raised in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. She graduated from Penn State in 1955 and began teaching until her independent spirit compelled her to join the United Service Organizations (USO), an organization whose purpose was to lift the mood of US military members and their families. It was the perfect fit for Jean’s ability to play the piano by ear and make strangers feel comfortable and welcome. It was there she met her husband, and given her love language was chocolate, the two were married at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts in 1956. Her love of chocolate remained a theme for the rest of her life. After a short stint in Hartford, CT, they relocated to North Palm Beach, FL, where they raised four children. Her world revolved around her family and friendships which she cherished throughout her life. Jean married into a large Italian family and was loved for her soft-spoken kindness, quick wit and “keeping it real.” She walked and swam to stay fit through her mid-nineties, and despite her poor vision, she played a competitive game of bridge until her final days.

Jean is survived by her four children, CJ (Cynthia) DeSantis of NY, NY, Dwight DeSantis (Samantha) of La Jolla, CA, Carol Tiroff (Craig) and Doug (Kelly) DeSantis both of Jupiter, FL. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved very much. She is predeceased by her only brother, Henry (Hank) Schnetzer who was her best friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches (LHPB.org) in her memory or bake something chocolate and give it to a friend.