Jean Bussy Knofler, 88 of Simsbury, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2023 at John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington. She was born September 28, 1934 in San Francisco, CA, daughter of the late Edwin C. and Elizabeth (Knorpp) Ballin and had lived in San Jose, CA prior to moving to Simsbury two years ago to be closer to her daughter. During her marriage to Richard Bussy, they built a successful mortgage business from scratch, committing all of their efforts to create a successful entity that blessed their family. A nationally ranked tennis player (70's) and long-standing tennis tournament competitor in Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles, Jean spent her teenage and adult years as a member of tennis clubs in both San Diego and, later, when married to Frank Knofler, in San Jose and the San Jose area. Jean loved to give back and spent all of her life volunteering in many, many areas. She donated 200 gallons of blood and platelets over the course of her lifetime through Red Cross as well as volunteering in their offices. She committed many hours to helping raise money through tennis tournaments, 25-mile walks and golf. Upon moving in with her daughter, Jean came back to her Episcopal Church roots and attended St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Simsbury, whose members warmly welcomed her.

She is survived by her daughter, Jill Nulsen and her husband, Eric, of Simsbury, CT and her grandchildren, Jennifer Nulsen of New York City, NY, Sarah Nulsen of Hartford, CT, Jordan Newton of Wichita Falls, TX and Hannah Bussy of Montezuma, CO. She was predeceased by her son, Jack Bussy; her husband, Franklin Knofler; her brother, William “Joe” Ballin and her former husband, Richard Bussy.

Services will be private. Donations in her memory may be made to the Red Cross. Please visit Jean’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.