Jeanette L Reardon Polito

Jeanette L. Reardon Polito, age 86, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2014 in Albuquerque, NM. She was born December 18, 1927 in Ft. Madison, Iowa to Raymond and Kathryn Schaefer. Jeanette was a respected member and pioneer of the social work community, first on the East coast and most of her life in El Paso, Texas. She was one of the first women in El Paso, TX with a Master's degree in social work. Jeanette received her Bachelor's degree from Mary Crest College in Davenport, IA and went on to receive her Masters of Social Work from Boston College in 1951. She joined the staff at El Paso Child Guidance Center in 1960, as a Clinical Social Worker, until her retirement in 1994 as Clinical Director. Jeanette also received many awards and appreciation for her selfless dedication to her field. Full retirement did not suit her, so she returned to the work force with a private practice and also part-time for Help Resources Group until 1997, then Family Services of El Paso until December of 2010, when at the age of 83, she chose to finally retire from the profession she loved so dearly. She was an active member of St. Matthews Catholic Church in El Paso for over 50 years. Jeanette is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Kathryn; grandson, Justin W. Inman and great grandson, Jason Inman. Jeanette is survived by her husband, Joseph Polito; her children, John Reardon of El Paso, Texas, Kathleen Inman and husband, Butch, of Albuquerque, NM and Joseph Polito, Jr and wife, Marianne, of McLean, VA; seven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; her brother, Leslie Schaefer of Davenport, IA and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. All services will take place at John XXIII Catholic Community Church, located at 4831 Tramway Ridge Drive, NE, Albuquerque, NM beginning with a viewing on Friday, January 24, 2014 at 9:30 AM. Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:00 AM, with Mass of Resurrection to be celebrated at 11:00 AM. A Graveside Ceremony will take place at Memory Gardens of the Valley, Santa Teresa, NM on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 1:00 PM. The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to your charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque, located at 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 764-9663.