January 12, 1945 – May 1, 2026
Strongsville, OH
Ana, 81, passed away peacefully at her home on May 1, 2026.
Born in Lokve, in the former Yugoslavia to Panta and Maria Jacobescu, Ana escaped the Communist regime, and along with her husband George and eldest son, Peter, made the courageous journey to the United States in 1966 after a year as a refugee in Italy. As an immigrant, she and her husband built a life in Middleburg Heights from the ground up with remarkable resilience and hard work. She became a United States citizen in 1973, realizing the American dream.
Known lovingly as ‘Babi’ to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her family could be found around her kitchen table for Sunday family dinner, always serving her famous “zupa” alongside other favorite dishes from Yugoslavia.
She is now peacefully reunited with her beloved son, Steven, who passed away at the age of 35—a loss she bore with enduring love.
She is survived by her son Peter, her cherished grandchildren Tiffany and Brandon, and great-grandchildren James and Tyler, all of whom carry forward her spirit and her stories. She was also preceded in death by her husband, George.
A celebration of Ana’s life will be held on Friday, May 8, from 3-7pm in the A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Home, 18149 Bagley Rd with the Funeral Service Saturday at 10am. Interment Woodvale Cemetery.
