Jessie (Basilio) DeStaffan, 96, of Mattydale, peacefully passed away after a short illness, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and the rest of her loving family at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. Born in Canastota, New York, she was a devoted housewife of 31 years, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting and cooking. She found great joy in spending time with her family. A hard worker all her life, she helped her mother and father on their onion farms. She left school at an early age to help her mother raise her brothers and sisters. While her husband was serving in World War II, she worked at New Process Gear. She was like a second mother to Bobby and Anne Marie. Jessie also raised her grandson Andrew, who helped take care of her later in life. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, George "Buck" DeStaffan, who passed away in 1970. Her parents, Mary and Joseph, passed away in 1985 and 1974. She was predeceased by two older siblings, also named Mary and Joseph. Her younger sister, Nellie Backus, passed away in 1986. Jessie is survived by two children, George of Mattydale and Maryanne (Louie) Varre of Canastota; six grandchildren, George, Louie, Jessica, Joey, Andrew and Jon; four sisters, Lucy Cesarini, Tillie (Dominick) Guido, Anna Wimmer and Dolores Musacchio; and by four brothers, Armando, Carmen (Josie), Paul (Jean) and Joseph. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Jessie was loved by many and will be dearly missed! Funeral services will be conducted at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME and 9:30 a.m. in St. Margaret's Church, where a funeral Mass will be celebrated. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery. Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, 2601 Milton Ave., Solvay.

Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 3/10/2009