Jean B. Dobrea

Jean B. Dobrea, (nee Barson) age 95, died peacefully on February 2, 2026. She was the loving and devoted wife of the late George Dobrea, cherished mother of Peter (Beverly), Michael (Diane), Paul (Jim) and Mary (Eric Grindahl), treasured grandmother of Joshua, Jennifer, and John Michael, and dearest sister of Peter (deceased) and Patricia (Sloane) and Nick.

Jean was born on April 5, 1930, in Cleveland’s Buckeye neighborhood. A graduate of John Hay High School, she married the love of her life, George Dobrea, in 1952. Their remarkable partnership lasted 58 years until George’s death in 2010. Jean stood beside George throughout his career in the public eye, through good times and challenging ones, supporting his dreams but keeping him on track when needed. Their love and commitment to each other was an inspiration to many, and they became “nașii” (godparent) for numerous couples at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Jean and George raised their four children, Pete, Mike, Paul and Mary, with love, joy, and a firm but gentle hand. They gave their kids great advice while allowing them to forge their own paths, taught them that problems always have a solution, and reminded them that when all else fails, it never hurts to have a little fun. Jean’s warmth and generosity attracted countless people who thought of her as a second mom. She was a friend to many and “Aunt Jeanie” to many more. After raising her children, she worked as secretary of St. Mary’s church before starting a long career at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance.

Jean was a woman of deep faith who lived her spiritual values through her actions. On Sundays she could be found sitting in the pews in the back of the church, prayerbook in hand. When she wasn’t in church, she was in the kitchen, organizing and working at the Fish Fry; leading the catering operation (and helping nervous brides-to-be relax and enjoy the day!); working with the Ladies Auxiliary; or sitting at the table with her friends. She was often the first to arrive and the last to leave. Outside of church, Jean and George loved hanging with the church gang, playing cards, and entertaining their wide circle of friends.

For Jean, food was love. No matter what, there was always room for another person at her table – whether for a holiday, a birthday, or just for a meal. Every holiday was an occasion to cook, and meals were a part of her tradition. Sarmale on Christmas; pickled pig’s feet and colac Moldovenesc for the new year; lamb soup (ciorba) on Easter; bologna spread, fried chicken and apple strudel on Memorial Day. Her cooking was sophisticated enough to host wine tastings with complex menus, but she also loved making a good grilled cheese or cooking spaghetti for John Marshall High’s football teams before their games. Jean loved sharing her cooking secrets with others, gifting her children with a cookbook, “From Jean’s Kitchen” one Christmas. Her favorite day of the year was “Cookie Sunday,” when the family would gather for an all-day cookie-making extravaganza.

Jean’s siblings Pete, Pat and Nick, were always in her heart even though they were separated by distance. The opportunities she had to see them in recent years brought her tremendous joy. She dearly loved her niece Nikki, nephews Joe, Rick, Scott and PJ, and grandchildren Josh, Jen, and John Michael. She loved playing scrabble with John Michael and her daughter-in-law Diane on Sundays, and has fond memories of a trip to Disneyworld with Jen and Josh. Her caregivers, Bridget and Erica, became a part of the family, providing comfort to Jean through her final days. She always said yes to an ice cream cone or sticky bun, liked her coffee black, and is still waiting for Tom Selleck to call for a date!

Jean had a capacity to love like no one else. Giving gifts brought her pleasure, but in truth, she was a gift to everyone she encountered. She was an amazing wife, mother, and friend. We will miss her, but know a part of her heart is in each one of us. Eternal be her memory.

Visitation Friday February 6, 2026 from 9 - 10am at St. Mary's Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, 3256 Warren Rd, Cleveland, OH 44111. Funeral Service to follow at St. Mary's at 10am. Burial at Sunset Cemetery. Family suggests contributions may be made to St. Mary's Cathedral. Online condolences at www.corrigancraciunfuneralhome.com