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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Jeanette “Jets” Mottola

Jeanette “Jets” Mottola, age 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Wilmington, Delaware. Though her body decided it was time, her mind was as sharp as ever — cracking jokes and making everyone smile right up until the very end.

Born on February 11, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Louis and Susan Callazzo, Jets grew up in Philadelphia, where she met her beloved husband, Joe. Together they moved to Wilmington, Delaware and started their family. Jets was a resilient woman who took life’s many challenges in stride with unwavering positivity and wit. To know Jets was to love her—she was truly one of a kind. Her infectious personality and magnetic presence made her the most popular person in every room, earning her a wide circle of friends all over the world but especially at home in Wilmington, at the shore in Stone Harbor, and in the sun at Delray Beach.

Jets leaves behind a lasting impact on her community; teaching, mentoring, parenting, and even spending time as a local seamstress and owner of a bridal boutique, Yesterday’s Bride. She had a gift for brightening anyone’s day — it didn’t matter if you were family, friend, or stranger; everyone walked away from a conversation with Jets with a smile on their face. She dedicated her life to her family and helping others and was able to enjoy a well deserved retirement of world travel and leisure to add to her ever-evolving world of storytelling and adventures.

Jets is survived by her three sons, Stephen, Nick (Kristy) and Tony (Amy); her grandchildren, Hadley (Griffin), Jake, Claire, Josh, Max, Wade, and Josey; brother, Nick Callazzo (Bobbi) and nieces Kristin and Kim and their families, dear friends Rosanne Miller and her daughters, and John Sloniewski, along with many other friends and family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, and her daughter, Jeanine.

Funeral Services

 

A visitation will be held on July 15th at 9:00 AM at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine, followed by a service at 10:30 AM. To honor Jets’ vibrant spirit, the family encourages guests to wear “happy colors” in their attire in celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jets’ memory may be made to St. Michael’s School and Nursery, 700 N Walnut St., Wilmington, DE 19801.

Condolences

    Carla and Jack Markell writes,
    Dear Stephen, Nick, Tony and family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Your mom had a fantastic spirit and brought light and love wherever she went. And, raised three terrific sons! Thinking of you all during this difficult time and hope your memories of her will be of comfort. Love, Carla and Jack Markell
    07/04/2025 07:11 am
    Rosanne Miller writes,
    To my second family… the Mottolas. Jets loved life and loved you all. Peace be with you now and always. Love Mamacita and the Millerettes.
    07/04/2025 08:17 am
    Gary Issi writes,
    Our icons are all leaving us one by one. Milgie was a 2nd mother to me, starting about right after when Joe died. I spent a huge amount of my time over the house, with her doing everything in her power to raise 4 kids on her own - and she took that challenge head on and wildly succeeded. Endless memories of those times and endless memories of her - whether it be pinching my butt or just being a mom. Since moving away 20 years ago I unfortunately didn’t see her much at all, but I am certain that she was the same old Milgie - always the spark plug in every setting. I will miss her dearly.
    07/04/2025 08:38 am
    Lois and Howard Nachamie writes,
    This world is a lot less fun now.
    07/04/2025 08:47 am
    Lois and Howard Nachamie writes,
    The world is a lot less fun now.
    07/04/2025 08:48 am
    Katherine S Cowperthwait writes,
    Hard to imagine a Sunday supper without Jetts. But, I feel pretty lucky to have been in her world for a brief minute.
    07/04/2025 09:42 am
    Dodo and John Newlin writes,
    What a wonderful, fun, sassy, loving, persevering, delightful person we have lost! Even seeing Jets in her last days was to be lifted up and sent on our way in better spirits than when we arrived. We will never forget "the dog," a photo Jets convinced us was real---of a pooch dressed in vest and cardigan, seated on an airliner. She explained that one of her sons had taken the dog to the airport for special training in order to qualify for regular passenger seating on flights, and that now he accompanied him on flights. Of course we believed her...until one of our grandkids proved to us that the photo was an AI creation. Jets takes a chunk of us with her in her ascension to heaven but leaves us so much richer for having known her. Much love to all the Mottolas! Dodo and John Newlin
    07/04/2025 09:50 am
    Carol Gee writes,
    I felt so privileged to get to know Jets through Rosanne when they were next door neighbors and then lived in the same condo. She was one of those rare people who treated you like a friend from the moment she met you. She reminded me so much of my own Mom who raised 4 on her own after my Dad died. You can’t weep for someone who gave more to life than they took from it. Holding all the Mottolos & Millers in my heart as you process this loss. Her memory will always be a blessing.
    07/04/2025 09:58 am
    Lynn and George Kuttruff writes,
    Jets, just like her name which means a “rapid stream of liquid from a small opening”. Jets had a rapid remark, sharp wit, and shared it with everyone, all emanating from a small body! So appropriately nicknamed! Her spirit and fire will be sorely missed by all who knew her. I am lucky to have been in her presence and wish I had spent more time with her. May all who knew her feel joy from the memory of her caring and fighting spirit. Xo
    07/04/2025 10:43 am
    Kristen Greene writes,
    So very sorry for your loss. Sending you all love and prayers. Warmly, Kristen
    07/04/2025 11:45 am
    Beth Duncan MD writes,
    Jets, you touched many lives with joy and grace. You will be missed.
    07/04/2025 02:16 pm
    Beth Hilyard writes,
    I didn’t know Jets long but she was the first person I knew when I moved into the condo. She made an impression! I was looking at a unit here a few years back and Jets just happened to be on the same floor and saw my sister and I and she just followed us along and showed me her unit as well! I was so happy when I finally moved here and saw her! She was so funny and just a delight to be around. Great energy. I just wish I had more time getting to know her more. My sincere condolences to her family.
    07/04/2025 03:04 pm
    Carol Mayer writes,
    Dear Tony and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God give you peace and strength in the coming days. Rob told me that your Mom was an amazing person. I can believe that because she raised an awesome son. Tony, I don’t know Stephen or Nick but I’m sure they are just as wonderful as you. Love, Carol Mayer
    07/04/2025 03:48 pm
    Lisa Cranny writes,
    I was sadden when I heard about Jets. I have been doing Jets hair for years. I so loved our conversations. She made me laugh. She was so full of energy. She loved her family and was so proud of them all. She will be missed .
    07/04/2025 04:53 pm
    Tarissa Brown writes,
    Ms jets will truly be missed. Her smile words of encouragement. A beauty soul inside and out. My condolences to the family. Prayers of comfort.. rest in heaven our beautiful queen. Momma jets I love you.🩷🩷
    07/04/2025 05:02 pm
    Tarissa Brown lit a candle and writes,
    My sincere condolences to the jets family. She will truly be missed. Her beautiful smile, words of wisdom, such a beautiful soul inside and out. Rest peacefully in heaven momma jets. Heaven has definitely gained an angel. I love you and will miss you truly.
    07/04/2025 05:08 pm
    Beth Barnes writes,
    Love u guys gonna miss my Tillgee!!!
    07/04/2025 07:28 pm
    Vanderlyn Downing-Webster writes,
    My husband, children and I met Jetty through the Millers at the dubbed Rodney Street Bar & Grille over 30 years ago where these 2 neighbors were a Tour de Force of hospitality bar none!! So many warm memories of Jets! And years later more recently at Park Drive: how could this snappy, effervescent woman be 90+?? Well, she was, and leaves a glowing sense of joy to ALL who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with Jets! Rest in soft peace, sweet Angel…Van
    07/05/2025 09:59 am
    Erin and Jim McNichol lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Mottola family- Whoever met your Jets once felt like they were friends forever. All our love and prayers for you! Jets is unforgettable!
    07/05/2025 11:09 am
    Theresa Shorey writes,
    Holding all of you in the light of prayer.
    07/05/2025 11:09 am
    Jane Utgard and John Cherney lit a candle and writes,
    Jets was a live spark, lighting up every room she entered while emitting contagious positive energy. We all learned so much from her and she'll be missed greatly.
    07/05/2025 06:42 pm
    Kim Sisk & Ellen Sulerzyski writes,
    Our resident "Energizer Bunny" will be sorely missed. We consider ourselves lucky to have so many joyful memories of our time spent with Jets.
    07/06/2025 07:15 am
    Marquita Matthews lit a candle and writes,
    Deepest sympathy to you & family.
    07/06/2025 08:16 am
    Jay&Kathy Healy writes,
    She will be missed by all who knew and loved her, there will never be another like her…RIP Jets
    07/06/2025 10:04 am
    Mary B Morton writes,
    To the Motollo family, We were sad to learn of Jet's death She was always fun to see, and we especially thank her for her friendship with John's sister, Margie. With deepest sympathy, Mary Ball and John Morton
    07/06/2025 11:54 am
    Greg Mazzotta writes,
    Stephen, Nick, Tony, My sincerest condolences on your moms passing. She was the first person my mom became friends with when we moved to Windley Road some 53 years ago. They met at St. Mary Magdalen Church that summer and before long your mom was bringing Jeanine down to play on the Jungle Jim in our backyard while they chatted nearby. I know she will be missed, but the memories of her will live forever:)
    07/07/2025 03:25 pm
    Dede Wolcott-Neff lit a candle and writes,
    We’re sad to receive this news. Jet’s Light will be much missed. Fondly, Dede Wolcott-Neff and Bill Neff
    07/07/2025 05:59 pm
    Monona Yin writes,
    I was lucky to get to know Jets over the past few years. What a life force! I loved her positivity and warmth. As someone who also lost her father very young, I marveled at Jets’ ability to make a happy home and teach full time. I could well understand why all her children treasured her. I am glad that Jets went out on her own terms, laughing and surrounded by loved ones. Sending peace and love to the extended Mottola family.
    07/08/2025 10:07 am
    Marian Young writes,
    Dear Tony, Your Mom sounds like such a wonderful person—deeply loved by all who knew her. My sincere condolences on her passing. From reading all these notes, and from hearing you speak about her, it’s clear Jets brought so much light and warmth to those around her. I’m sure she’ll brighten the heavens, and her loving spirit will remain a constant presence in your and your family’s hearts. Marian
    07/09/2025 05:43 pm
    Michelle Doyle lit a candle and writes,
    With deepest sympathy to you and your family Nick, love and prayers.
    07/10/2025 06:53 am
    Margie Morton lit a candle and writes,
    I extend my deepest sympathy to the Mottola Family. She and I have been friends for 25 years. I will always treasure her for her kindness, generosity, and her sparkling personality. Margie Motron
    07/11/2025 01:40 pm
    Napaver Family writes,
    I was deeply saddened to hear of Momma Mottola’s passing. I had the pleasure to both know and work with her. She was a truly special person whose kindness, warmth, and presence touched so many lives. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories you shared and strength in the love that surrounds you.
    07/11/2025 04:49 pm

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