Jeannine L. Riopelle

Jeannine L. Riopelle of Kerhonkson, NY, 88, died on Wednesday May 24, 2023 in Rhinebeck, NY.

Jeannine was born in Antwerp, Belgium on November 1, 1934 to Josephus and Antoinette (Detry) Interwoel. While in Belgium she lived through World War II, leaving her with incredible stories of survival and adaptation. She married the love of her life, Edwin R. Riopelle, Jr., on June 20, 1959 in Dannemora, NY and eventually settled in Kerhonkson to raise their family. Jeannine worked for many years in Ellenville as a seamstress with Brodsky’s women’s clothing store, as well as for many community members. She was a member of the ladies’ sewing group at the Federated Church of Kerhonkson, the Rochester seniors' group and her "Pizza Girls" on Mondays. She loved her children and grandchildren and being a part of their lives but it was her cat, Rusty, and especially her great grandchildren that were everything to her. Jeannine was an amazing Mom, Grandma, Nana, and Boma that gave tirelessly to make sure her family was always well fed and loved. She will be missed for not only her endless love but her amazing desserts, making sure you always had enough to eat, a hearty "Skal" with every beer, and always being up for a trip, even if it were just to the store.

Jeannine was predeceased by her parents, the love of her life Edwin, her chosen sisters Louisette and Rosette (Bunny). She is survived by her children, Diane Bracklow and husband Kurt of Kerhonkson, Benjamin Riopelle and wife Linda of Hyde Park, and Edwin Riopelle and wife Rosalind of Conway, SC; her grandchildren, Christina (Ben), William (Suzanne), Stephanie (Christopher), Justin (Emily), Mitchell, Christopher and Kevin; her great grandchildren, Jeannine, Benjamin and Sophie; and her chosen brothers, Robert and Julian as well as many cousins both here and in Belgium.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, June 1st from 5-7pm at Humiston Funeral Home, Kerhonkson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately for family at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church followed by burial in Pine Bush Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Jeannine’s name to the Ulster County SPCA, 20 Weidy Drive, Kingston, NY 12401 and/or to the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation,80 Washington Street, Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.