Jennie L. Hepworth

February 25, 1936 - February 9, 2026

Jennie L. (Madonia) Hepworth, 89, of Rome, NY, passed away on February 9, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with dementia.

Born in Rome on February 25, 1936, Jennie was the daughter of the late Sam and Rose (Zeppieri) Madonia. On April 25, 1957, she married William “Bill” Hepworth Sr. of Canarsie, NY. They shared fifty wonderful years together before Bill’s passing in 2007.

A 1954 graduate of RFA, Jennie began her career with the Rome Telephone Company. She later traveled with Bill during his Air Force service, including a cherished period living in France. Upon returning to Rome, she worked in the buying office at Carl’s Drugs as a receptionist.

Jennie was a devoted member of the St. John the Baptist Choir for 10 years, where she found great fulfillment in sharing her love of music.

She is survived by her children: Kathleen (Richard) Bessette, William “Bill” Hepworth Jr., and Dianne (Richard) Coriale; her grandchildren: Nicholas Bessette, Jennifer Bessette, Nicole Martinez, Christina Coriale, and Anthony Coriale; and her great-grandchildren: Alexis Crever, Marissa Crever, Noah Crever, and Lorenzo Martinez. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Natalie and Anna (Ron) Costello; brothers-in-law Kris Koza and Martin Hepworth; and sister-in-law Mary Maugeri, and many nieces and nephews.

Jennie was predeceased by her husband, Bill; her parents Sam and Rose; her sister Antoinette Koza; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Jennie was the heart of her family. She took great pride in decorating her home and bringing everyone together around the table for holidays and celebrations. Her love of tradition, her warmth, and her devotion to family are gifts she passed on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to her caregivers—Tracey, Carol, Teresa, and Joe—for their kindness and dedication. The family also wishes to thank the staff at Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford for their compassion and support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St., on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.  There are no calling hours. Private Burial  will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery .

Arrangements by Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome.

To offerr online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com