Forestville: Jeannine M. Militello, 50, of Route 39, Forestville, died Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at her residence, following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She was born in Buffalo on March 16, 1975, the daughter of George and Noreen (Wdzienczny) Pasierb of Elma.
Jeannine was a graduate of Iroquois Central School, Class of 1993 and she received her Bachelors in Speech Pathology from Fredonia State University and her Masters in Speech Pathology from Ithaca College. She worked as a Speech Pathologist for Silver Creek Central School for approximately five years, was co-owner of Militello Farms, Forestville and was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fredonia, where she was a Sunday School Teacher.
Jeannine started a support group for Parkinson’s Disease in Fredonia and created & operated “Harvest Happenings” in Forestville, for approximately five years, to educate children about agriculture. She especially enjoyed spending time with her daughters and attending their events.
Survivors include husband of 25 years, James Militello of Forestville, whom she married on July 29, 2000 in Elma, three daughters; Faith, Libby, and Avery Militello, a brother Michael (Kim) Pasierb of Lancaster and two nieces & two nephews.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock from St. Paul Lutheran Church, 334 Temple Street, Fredonia with Rev. Matthew Schettler, pastor officiating. Interment will follow in Sheridan Center Cemetery, Town of Sheridan.
The family suggests memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741. To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
6 Comments
Donna Becker
I’ve known Jeannine for 31 years. She was a steadfast Christian friend in my life when I was clueless. In high school she’d been in Spirit of Youth, many musical and dancing performances. She had a lot of fun musical tastes and a nice, silly and engaging personality. She that kind of friend who makes an effort to stay in touch even if miles and life begin to separate you.
She faced infertility, then an abundance of babies (a 3 yr old and newborn twins all girls!), breast cancer, Parkinson’s, a recurrence of cancer, and who knows what else she kept to herself.
Jeannine experienced a turning point in her faith when a woman helping with a problem merely pointed out that she wasn’t God, and therefore wasn’t in control. But that He was God and was in control and that she could find rest in that. The woman encouraged her in Philippians 4:6-7 and when Jeannine took hold of that practice and promise in faith, she truly did get the peace that was promised. Through thankfulness and prayer to God she exchanged anxiety for mind and heart guarding peace of Christ. Repeat as necessary. And she told everyone who would listen.
I’ve made use of and shared that verse as well, probably with some of you a few times, and finally printed it out and placed it prominently when I had my biggest trial of anxiety over the summer. One of the last things she shared with me was that she probably should have appropriated more verses but this one just seems to apply to everything!
All the while she’s gone through her health trials she still served her church with singing and piano playing as long as she could. Even singing the pastors favorite Christmas song, not her own, when she knew it was the last Christmas she’d be able to perform because she was losing control of her voice.Sh served her neighbors, family and friends even as Parkinson’s made it increasingly difficult and painful. She served in many other ways and would never have drawn attention to them.
She was a respectful wife who helped make a beautiful and fun life together. She said yes to (seemingly!) all the pets the family wanted when the girls were old enough, even cats which she herself really didn’t not enjoy at all.
She took an interest in others and always gave everyone, especially her children, her undivided attention. Who wouldn’t feel loved and special with a friend like that?
She will be dearly missed but only for the rest of this prelife, not for the rest of my life! When I get to glory too, I’ll see this gorgeous girl twirling and dancing in praise of Jesus who is now even more beautiful than I’ve ever seen her.
STEPHANIE D SCHELL
Was active in her church.
William Ferneza
Our condolences to your family.
Paula and William Ferneza
April Boncore Harriger
Growing up as a little girl, I have fond memories of playing for hours with Jeannine’s dolls and dollhouse. She’s watching over her girls now! Praying for you all and sorry for your loss.
Bonnie L Cywinski
Mike, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. Although I did not know her, she seemed like a wonderful soul. I wish you and your family peace during this difficult time.
Bonnie
Matt Stinson
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Jeannine. She and Jamie were always so kind when I would see them at the Dunkirk pier. I pray that you feel comfort knowing that she is in Heaven.
Matthew Stinson