Jessie C. (Grova) Lepeska, age 90, peacefully entered into eternal rest on September 8, 2022, at The Grimes Center in New Haven.
Jessie was born in Derby on March 7, 1932, daughter of the late Guiseppe and Gesuela Terrasi Grova. A lifelong resident of Ansonia, she was a graduate of Ansonia High School in 1949, where she participated in basketball, softball and cheerleading. She was employed as a bookkeeper at the former Seymour Oil Company until her retirement. Jessie was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. Her selflessness was seen every day by placing everyone’s needs before her own. She loved her family over everything. When it was a family member’s birthday, you would know to expect Jessie’s singing happy birthday telegram. Jessie was a devout Catholic who faithfully attended Mass at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia. She loved watching UConn women’s basketball, traveling to Las Vegas, visiting the local casinos and get-togethers with her high school classmates.
She leaves to cherish her memory, a son, John J. Lepeska of Ansonia, daughters, Marie Holcomb (Vincent) of Ansonia and Laura Lepeska (David DeFeo) of N. Branford, a sister, Carmela Loda of Ithaca, NY, grandchildren, Pamela Burke (James) of Bristol, Brittany McGowan (Sean) of Orange, John Lepeska Jr. of Naugatuck, Jason Holcomb (fiancée Amanda Green) of New York, NY, Emily Dryzgula of New York, NY, Jeffrey Dryzgula of N. Branford, David Lepeska (Ashley) of Newport Richey, FL and Will DeFeo (Brooke) of Dinuba, CA, great-grandchildren, Emelia, Samantha, Emma, Kyielier and Sophia as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters, Ann Marie Glenn and Josephine Greggos. The family sends a heart-felt thank you to the nurses and staff of The Grimes Center in New Haven for their wonderful care.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass to celebrate her life on Monday, October 10, 2022, by meeting directly at 10:00 am at Holy Rosary Church, 10 Father Salemi Drive in Ansonia for a Mass of Christian Burial. Inurnment will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby. The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia, has been privileged with the arrangements. To sign Jessie’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
