Jean Madeline Arcusa

Obituary: Jean Arcusa (Aug 12, 1930–Nov 24, 2024)

Jean Arcusa, a beloved wife and mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, choir member, and Navy veteran, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on November 24, 2024. Jean was born Aug 12, 1930 to Joseph Valeriano, Sr and Margaret Valeriano (Longo) and spent her life embracing service, family, and a love of music.

Jean served as a Navy “Wave”(Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) - a branch of the United States Navy's Naval Reserve that enlisted women during World War II. She was a pioneer to women of the era after she left her hometown of Utica, NY to serve her country. While in the service, she met her husband and love of her life, Napoleon “Paul” Arcusa, a 3 war veteran, also in the Navy. (d.1990) The couple would later devote themselves to raising their three children, Paula Bowman-Sanders (1958), Richard Arcusa (1959), and Mark Arcusa (1970). Jean’s love for her family was boundless, and her legacy continues through her children, and her nine grandchildren, Paul, Donny, Jeannie, Ericka, Kara, Brendan, Sumayah, Allannah, & Elijah and her great grandchildren.

Music was at the heart of Jean’s life. She had a deep passion for singing and after many years performing in church choirs as a youth, she’d return to her musical beginnings in her 70’s as a member of the barbershop style group “The Arundelair Chorus” and in “The Bowie Senior Chorale.” Her voice became a cherished part of these local groups and her songs brought joy to everyone who heard them. Her spirit will continue to resonate in the harmonies she left behind.

Mrs. Arcusa’s generosity, kindness, and strength were felt by all who knew her. She was a woman of deep faith, a steadfast friend, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of calling her family, friend, or colleague. Her warmth, optimism, and natural inclination to see the best in everyone will be remembered with love and affection.

In addition to her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, Jean was one of seven siblings and is survived by her younger brother, Richard Valeriano, countless nephews, nieces, & cousins and her “unofficial daughter” Virginia Gabriel Wallace and her husband, David Wallace.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at Beall Funeral home at 6512 Robert S.Crain Hwy in Bowie, MD. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ovalstone Comfort Home on 13221 Ovalstone Ln, Bowie, MD 20715, an organization close to Jean’s heart.

Mrs. Arcusa’s funeral will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, laid to rest alongside her husband.

Jean’s legacy of love, service, and song will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May she rest in peace, knowing she touched countless lives with her grace, honor, and her music.