Jessie Mae Bardo

87, Tampa native now of Valrico passed away on August 20th, 2015. Jessie cherished her family and friends and was a strong, loving, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, John J. Bardo; daughters Judy Donn Nesbit, Kathryn Raines and Dagmar Bardo; Grandchildren John Donn and Jennifer Raines; four great-grandchildren and one sister Ruth Levens. She was predeceased by her parents Frederick E. Potts Sr. and Sadie (Castano) Potts; brothers Jack Diaz (Lill) and Fred E. Potts Jr. (Gloria); Sisters Aline Lowe (Eugene), Evelyn Pinson (Harold), Edith Tinnen (Leonard) and Marie Gale Kackley (Kenneth). Jessie touched a multitude of lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She had a special way of making friends feel like family. They appreciated her joy of life, kindness and helpfulness. Some of her fondest memories were the South Tampa neighborhood and Manhattan Avenue Methodist church of the 50’s/60’s, Sterling, Virginia and Valrico neighbors and the North Carolina mountains. A young WWII bride, she later met her goals of graduating adult high school and becoming a licensed practical nurse. She worked at the old and new St. Joseph’s hospital and clinics for the US Public Health Services and Ft. Monroe, Virginia. She also served as a poll worker in Hillsborough County. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and arts and crafts. Our mother was always there, helping us move, opening the empty nest, cabin building, and caring for grandchildren and pets. Already a three time cancer survivor, Jessie’s faith, strength and good humor kept her going through this last lengthy illness. Jessie and her family are grateful to LifePath Hospice Sapphire team and other staff who visited, all caregivers, extended family and friends for their support. Visitation for family and friends will be at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home 4207 E Lake Ave, Tampa FL 33610 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on Tuesday, August 25th, 2015 with services immediately following at 12:30pm. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Flowers or donations in memory of Jessie may be made to LifePath Hospice, 3010 W Azeele St, Tampa, FL 33609.