Jean (Modica) Clingersmith 79, of Niagara Falls, NY died peacefully in her sleep Saturday June 20, 2009 at her residence. Born in Buffalo, NY she was the daughter of the late Vitale "Charles" and Rosaria (Giallombardo) Modica.

Jean grew up on the West Side of Buffalo and attended Buffalo schools. On June 12, 1954, she married William Clingersmith at Holy Angels Church in Buffalo, NY and together they moved to Niagara Falls, NY. Jean began working at the former J.N. Adam Co. in Buffalo, NY and later as a crossing guard for the City of Niagara Falls. Jean was involved with her children's schools and volunteered at Niagara Catholic. She was a member of St. Joseph's Church, St. Joseph's Mothers Club and Pine Avenue Block Club. During her spare time she enjoyed playing cards but her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends.

In addition to her husband of 55 years, Mrs. Clingersmith is survived by her seven children David Clingersmith of Niagara Falls, NY; Ann Louise (Louis) Ciminelli of Buffalo, NY, Mark (Marianne) Clingersmith, William (Anne) Clingersmith, both of Niagara Falls, NY, James (Lisa) Clingersmith of San Diego, CA, Christine (Jeffrey) Vahue of Boston, MA and Julie (Michael) Dearing of Pendleton, NY; eighteen grand children, Ryanne, Caitlyn, Lauryn, Lyndsey, Molly, Matthew, Melissa, Ashley, William, Sarah, Kristen, Kenna, Kara, Daniel, Eric Clingersmith, Serena, Peter, Anthony Vahue; one great-grandson Gavin and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her three sisters, Rose (late Ed) Donnelly; Ada (Dominic of Buffalo, NY) D'Ettorre; Nina (late Tony) Saccia; two brothers Joseph (Frances of Kenmore, NY) Modica and Salvatore Modica. She was also predeceased by a brother-in-law Leonard (Isabel of Niagara Falls, NY) Clingersmith.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 2 - 4 and 7 – 9 pm at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK where funeral services will begin on Wednesday June 24th at 9:15 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph's Church 1413 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, Heart Gifts Processing Center PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049.