Jessie Mae Petitt

JESSIE M. PETITT (nee Oliver), age 95. Beloved wife of the late Albert, Alfred Luiere & Umberto DeDominicis. Loving mother of Donna Glauner (David), Steve Luiere (Kelly) (Denise, deceased), Toni Hudak (Fred), Frank (Kathryn), Mark (Jennifer), Victoria Balogh (fiancé, Michael Pierce), Lisa Wayne (Jeff), Jessica Wattenbarger (deceased) (Marc), Alyce Tolley (deceased), Amanda Konery (John), Carl (Samantha) and 8 other stepchildren. Cherished grandmother of 69, great grandmother & great great grandmother of many. Dear sister of Robert Oliver (Shirley) and others deceased. Also survived by nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Jessie’s beginnings were very humble. She was born in the city, but moved shortly after to a farm. She loved farm life and spoke endearingly of all the animals, especially her favorite horse. She did not have an easy life, but she worked tirelessly to provide for her children. With Al by her side, she succeeded in building the life she always wanted for her and her family.

Family was the most important thing to Jessie. Sunday was always family day, beginning with a big southern breakfast of fried eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese grits, and toast. As soon as the clean up from breakfast was over, the whole family started preparing for Sunday dinner. The family usually prepared spaghetti and southern fried chicken, including desert (some favorites were banana pudding and baked apples). She ran the kitchen operations, but it was always a family effort. Cooking in the kitchen together inevitably turned into a performance of singing, dancing and laughter.

Jessie lived by the philosophy of “the more the merrier.” Each person who walked through the door became family and felt immediately welcome. This was especially true for her favorite family tradition, the annual Tree Trimming Party. The house would be filled to the brim with a couple hundred family and friends. Tables were filled with an abundance of food, served family style. Every family would bring an ornament to hang on the 13-foot tree. The children would decorate the tree, and carols would be sung by all. There was even a visit from Santa. All of this joy was forged through the love of Jessie and Al.

Appreciating chaos, noise, and children was a must in their home, as it was almost always a full house. Jessie exuded a warmth that knew no bounds. Her greatest desire in life was to have a big family. She felt incredibly blessed by God to have been given what she has always wanted. Jessie will always be the root to the many branches that still grow on our family tree built by her love.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Brecksville-Parma Shriners Club.

Funeral services Friday February 28, 2025, at the funeral home 11:30 AM. Interment Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive friends THURSDAY 3 – 7 PM at the A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS (WEST OF I-71).