Jeananne Marie Christopher (Zamberlan) Brandsberg, age 50, died February 14, 2026, after a long battle with cancer.
She was born August 3, 1975 in Steubenville, Ohio, to Theresa (Yenchochic) Zamberlan and the late Ronald Zamberlan. She is survived by her husband, the love of her life, Erik Brandsberg, of Oakdale PA, as well as her beloved mom, Theresa, of Wintersville. She is also survived by her dear family: brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph (Lisa) Zamberlan and Ronald (Lynn) Zamberlan, all of Steubenville; niece and nephews, Dr. Kenzie Zamberlan of Pittsburgh, PA, Joey Zamberlan (Rachel Garrett) and Jesse Zamberlan of Wintersville.
She was preceded in death by her beloved dad, Ronald C. Zamberlan, and her grandparents, Joseph (Katherine Pietranton) Zamberlan and George (Stella Tuchalski) Yenchochic.
Jean was overwhelmed by the love and support of friends and family during her illness, and was so grateful for them. Reading, a good cup of coffee, and a long conversation with a friend were some things that brought her lifelong joy.
A celebration of life will be held at Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 11:30 am to 1 pm.
No flowers, please. Memorial contributions may be made to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (https://hillman.upmc.com/). Alternatively, support your local library or animal rescue.
04/07/2026
Nicole Martin
There is not a day that will go by that I won't think of my dear, dear friend, Jean. The Romy to my Michelle. The Mary to my Rhoda. The keeper of my secrets. My NYC travel buddy. My work lunch buddy throughout the years. My bella Luna! Meeting just as she was finishing college and living all our life moments together, it's like I had another sister. My heart is broken and it is sad for all of us who lost her. She is pain free and that is truly the gift here. I hated seeing her suffer, but she did so as such a trooper. Only exuding positivity until the very end. I was so fortunate to say she was my friend for over 30 years. We shared so many adventures and had so much fun. I will miss her laugh, her smile, her positive thoughts. Sending prayers to all her family and friends. And, I'll be sure to watch Moonstruck at least once a year in her honor. One in a million, that one... to all of us. Love you, forever, Romy. This Michelle is missing you so very much.
03/10/2026
Melanie Vlah
Jean and I met while we were both working at Point Park College almost 30 years ago. After we both moved on, we made sure to stay in touch. We met several times a year to catch up on our lives, my favorite being our annual Christmas lunch at Atria's in Mt. Lebanon. Jean and I talked about everything: books, movies, our families, Hallmark Christmas movies, and our mutual love of Jeopardy contestant Matt Amodio. Jean loved her family so much and was so proud of her niece and nephews that I felt I knew them without ever meeting them. Jean was so wonderful and a true friend. I will forever treasure our friendship and miss her dearly. My deepest sympathies, Melanie Vlah
03/04/2026
Kristofer Nagy
Jean was a kind and generous person who welcomed our family to Pittsburgh. We always appreciated the Christmas cards and warm messages that brought a smile to our faces. She will be missed.
03/02/2026
Michelle Patterson
Jean was a wonderful person who loved stories and loved helping people live their stories and achieve their dreams. We will all miss her kindness and her insightful conversation. Sending love, Michelle and Dave Patterson
02/24/2026
Carol Pietranton
My deepest sympathy for Erik and Jeans family, She was a lovely , funny, and caring person We had wonderful times together I will miss her.
02/23/2026
Ramon Lawrence
Jean's kindness and warmth left a lasting impression on me. I will always remember how she and Erik took the time to show me around Pittsburgh in February 2025, despite everything she was going through at the time. I was truly grateful for her generosity and spirit. My heartfelt condolences to Erik. Wishing you strength and peace in the days ahead.
02/23/2026
Johanna Marie Lane
Jean and I had been close friends since we met at Saint Leo in Florida. We remained close and our friendship grew despite that we became long distance friends. Jean taught me about true friendship in many ways. Very often she offered me her wisdom, attention, and wit when I shared life's sorrows and annoyances. She was equally supportive of me whether I was going through difficulties or celebrating a happy event. In our long distance friendship, we would schedule our phone calls because they were often three hours long. Usually these were in the early morning on a Saturday when we would drink our coffee together over a long phone call that felt too short. We mostly talked about our families, sharing stories about our loving moms, and our experience as adult daughters. I could hear in her stories how much she loved her mom, brothers, Ron and Joe, sisters-in-law, Lynn and Lisa. Jean was so proud of being an aunt. She thought the world of nephews, Joey and Jesse, and her beloved Kenzie, often talking about all her family members at different points in time. One memory of her generosity stands out. We are both Italian Polish American, but I never grew up with the Polish culture. So, when I visited Jean in Pittsburgh one July, she made the traditional Polish Christmas Eve feast so that I could experience Polish culture. This is the type of love she demonstrated. I feel the loss of Jean deeply. My heart and prayers are with Jean's family. And I hope it brings some peace to know that Jean benefited my life in ways that will carry on and she is unforgettable to me.
02/22/2026
Lynn Bailey
We didn't get to see Jean often, but she always brought a sweet smile and warm heart when she visited VA , most Srings, around Easter. We were blessed to be able to visit Jean and Erik a couple of times at their home in PA. What a joy it was to watch Jean and Erik work together with love and respect for each other. Jean's smile and compassion, and tender heart will be missed by many. Our prayers for a peace for Erik and family. In Christ, love Don and Lynn
02/22/2026
Jill DeBoom
Her story ended too soon. Jean was a gift to anyone who knew her. Her friendship of 30 years can never be replaced. Love to her family whom she loved with all her heart.
02/22/2026
Bonnie Traphan
Jean was a beautiful light for Robert and me, and we wanted to share a few memories of the 'consummate host' we knew and loved. Though we lived miles apart, Jean had a way of making us feel like the center of her world whenever we were together. I first met her during our engagement trip, and I'll never forget how she went out of her way to welcome me and congratulate us with a cookie cake—a small gesture that made a huge, lasting impression on my heart. She was the picture of grace at our wedding, but perhaps my favorite memory is the weekend we shared in Pittsburgh for Robert's 50th birthday. Jean had everything perfectly planned, showing us the sites with such pride and care while planning out every meal like the perfect bed and breakfast. It was so clear how much she loved her family and how happy she was to have returned home to her roots. We are profoundly grateful that Jean made our lives better just by being in them. She will be missed, but her warmth is something we will carry with us always. Much love to her family.
02/22/2026
Cathylynn Pietranton-RJ Kidder
We would like to send our deepest sympathy to Erik and Jean's family. Jean to me was not just my cousin, she also was a friend and she felt like a sister. We've had a lot of good times with Jean and Erik over the years and it's really hard to pick one. But the one that comes to mind the most is when we all went to the courthouse light show in Cambridge at Christmas time. We will miss her very much but she had such a beautiful spirit and her light will continue to shine. Cathylynn Pietranton and RJ Kidder
02/22/2026
Barbara Bailey
Jean was such a treasure! She brought light and love into my nephew, Erik's, life, and kindness and grace will be missed by us all.
02/22/2026
Jesse Kelly
Jean, I always looked forward to our dinners and phone calls. I always loved your take on current events and the current state of the world. You are already greatly missed. Jesse Kelly
02/22/2026
Shannon Magnetti
Jean was one in a million. So kind, thoughtful, witty, smart. I will miss her visits to Bradford and my visits to Pittsburgh. She was a bright light and the world absolutely seems dimmer. Rest peacefully, my lovely cousin. -Shannon
02/20/2026
Sandy Day
Jean and my daughter Lori Day were best friends growing up. They had many driving adventures together and had so much fun together. We gave her the nickname 'Jean Bean' When she was at our home visiting with Lori, Jean always called us 'Sir and Mam'. Even when she sent us Christmas cards she would put Sir and Mam on the heading and then sign it as Jean Bean. I have a wonderful memory of Jean and Lori in our rec room by the Christmas tree and both of them are smiling. This is how my husband Greg and I will remember her. Smiling and being so joyful. Now she is no longer in any pain. She is in Heaven with her dad and other people that loved her. Sandy Day
02/20/2026
Kaela Cardarella
I was lucky enough to work with Jean, even if only for a short time. She always brought a smile to those around her, and it was clear how deeply she loved and cared for her family. While I can only begin to imagine your loss, I hope it brings some comfort to know how much she was appreciated by those who had the privilege of knowing her. I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers, and wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. – Kaela Cardarella
02/19/2026
Ginny Kuhn
I'm so sorry for the loss of your lovely daughter and sister and Aunt, but I know that the Lord did His best to make sure that we have a place of Comfort and Joy! That is where I believe she is and the confident faith in Jesus' Word. Just know that you know she's no longer in pain and lives forever more with Our Lord as she put her trust in Him, as we all should do to be ready when our time comes too. Prayers for Peace that surpasses all understanding to be with you all!!! All my Love, Ginny Kuhn
02/19/2026
Terri Eaton
Jean was a true shining light in this world. From my cute, curly-haired little cousin to a kind, thoughtful, funny, and brilliant woman, I will cherish my memories of my visits to Pittsburgh and our conversations over coffee and pastries, on the phone, and through texts. Some of the best books I've read were Jean recommendations! We talked not only about books, but passionately about current events, family, and life, and always managed to do so with much laughter and sometimes tears. I will miss her deeply. My love to Erik, Aunt Theresa, Joe, Ron, Lisa, Lynn, Joey, Jesse, Kenzie, and to all the extended family, friends, and colleagues who were blessed by Jean's presence in this world and who will always carry her with them in their hearts. Love Cousin Terri, Tim, Fitch and Wesley Eaton
02/19/2026
Jen Bane
I am shocked to hear about Jeananne's passing. I did not know she was sick and would have offered her support during her battle. I will now pray for the people that loved her most. May you find some comfort that she is at peace. May her memory be a blessing. I am thankful for the friendship we shared. Class of '93 - Wintersville Warriors. Jen King Bane
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