Jessie M. Pera

A beautiful Scottish lass, “Nettie” was born Jessie Morrison Parker in Edinburgh, Scotland, on January 27, 1923 to Tom and Jenny Parker. Jessie came to the United States on the ocean liner, R.M.S. Caronia, when she was nearly two years old. Her parents eventually made their home in Akron, and Jessie graduated from North High School. In the midst of World War II, on February 7, 1943, Jessie and fellow North High graduate, Isadore Michael Pera, were married at the San Diego Marine Base Chapel before Izzy left for Iwo Jima.

Jess was an avid reader, enjoyed old Westerns, and was a devoted New York Yankees fan. She loved to travel and her favorite places were Hawaii with Izzy’s Western Reserve associates – and their long-time annual trips to Avalon, NJ with family and friends. In recent years, she enjoyed trips to Yankee Stadium and Broadway plays in NYC. Her last big trip was to Mackinac Island with her children, and she loved it.

Jessie was a devoted member of St. Luke’s Anglican Church. At St. Luke’s, she was a long-time volunteer and counselor to many. She treasured her many friendships that she made during her time there. A Christian her whole life, she really found her home at St. Luke’s.

Jess was preceded in death by her brother, Tom Parker, and her husband of 61 years, Izzy Pera. She is survived by her daughters Michelle Ogden (Cam) of Hudson and Maureen Shoenfelt of Akron; sons Michael Pera (Janet) of Akron, and Mitch Pera (Drew Fick) of Tampa FL; her “favorite” sister Cathy Stenger (George) of Akron; sister-in-law Ann Thatcher of Willowick; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; many loving family members and friends, and her St. Luke’s family.

The Family would like to express its sincere gratefulness to the staff of the Coronary Care Unit at Summa’s Akron City Hospital for their skilled and loving care of our Mother.

For those who wish, memorials to Jessie may be made to Church of the Holy Spirit, 587 Baird Street, Akron OH 44311 (for their Wednesday Lunch Program and Bible Sharing Ministry) or your favorite charity.

Family will receive friends THURSDAY, October 20, 2011 from 4pm to 8pm at the Catavolos Funeral Home, 3653 West Market Street, Fairlawn; funeral services will be held SATURDAY, October 22, 2011 at 10:00am at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 565 South Cleveland-Massillon Road. Cremation has taken place.