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Jean Ann Peperak

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Jean Ann Peperak, 85, of Connellsville, Pa., passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, July 1, 2017 surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Born on March 12, 1932, in Connellsville, PA, she was a graduate of Connellsville Area High School with the class of 1950 and was a member of St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church in Connellsville.

Jean married her local hometown love, Andy, in 1952. Together they left Connellsville and followed the commands of the United States Army for the next 20 years. While Andy served overseas, Jean served as a devoted homemaker who worked tirelessly to raise their 11 children. A natural and gifted mother, Jean could comfort any baby put into her arms.

For the past six years, Jean fought bravely to over come the physical and mental challenges of Parkinson’s Disease. Through the love, compassion, and dedication of her wonderful team of caretakers, Jean lived her final years in the comfort of her home. The modest, red brick house on the West Side of Connellsville was the Peperak family gathering place where countless get-togethers, celebrations, and standing-room only holidays were held since 1971. Over the years, Jean’s family came for her cooking — and stayed for the love and laughter that filled the air and permeated their hearts.

Prior to her illness, Jean’s hands were never idle. She loved tending to her garden, making beautiful wreaths and other crafts, decorating for every holiday, and cooking and baking for her family. On her trusty Singer sewing machine, Jean created many handmade quilts that will be forever cherished by the fortunate recipients.

No one was ever a stranger in Jean’s house.

She was known as “Grandma Jean” not only to her grandchildren but also to local children and others in the community to whom she extended her love. Any meal in Jean’s kitchen could be stretched to accommodate an unexpected guest — “just throw an extra potato in the pot”, she would always say.

A devoted Catholic, Jean’s faith and love of God never wavered. Through good times and bad she instilled into her children the importance of family, hard work, and perseverance. Never one to complain, Jean was a quiet and steadfast woman whose good deeds served as a guide to her children and will remain a vital part of her legacy. Her loving spirit will be carried on by her family of ten living children, 22 living grandchildren, seven great-grand children, other surviving relatives, and an extended family of friends and loved ones from every walk of life.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Master Sgt. (Ret.) Andrew Peperak, United States Army; daughter, Arleen O’Donnell, grand daughter, Gabrielle Peperak; sister, Adeline Cumberland; and parents, Nora and Arthur Hawk.

She will be sadly missed by her children: Rita Peters and husband Stephen of St. Petersburg Florida, Barbara Wilbur and husband Paul of Hummelstown, Pa., Patricia Peperak of Connellsville, Charles Peperak and wife Susan of Connellsville, Lynda Sparks and husband Thomas of Indian Head, Pa.; Darleen Durham and husband James of Camp Hill, Pa., Donald Peperak and wife Kristi of Connellsville, Pa., Stephen Peperak and wife Desiree of Boonsboro, Maryland, Daniel Peperak and wife Kristin of Dillsburg, Pa., Cynthia Peperak of Mars Pa. Her many grand children and great grandchildren include: Edwin Peters and wife Marie of Springfield, Virginia, Bonnie Sypolt and husband Matt of Harrisburg, Pa., and their children Jace and Bryce, Katie and Rachel Wilbur of Hummelstown, Pa., Charles, Alex, and Luke Peperak of Connellsville, Elizabeth Sparks of Peachtree, Georgia, Andrew Sparks of Indian Head, Pa., Jennifer Marsinko and husband Justin of Connellsville and their children Allie, Reese, and Beckham, Lindsay Martin and husband Josh of Normalville, Pa., and their daughter Riley, Brittany Bucci and husband Josh of Connellsville and their son Hudson, Steven O’Donnell of Connellsville, Austin, Danielle, and Zachary Durham of Camp Hill, Pa., James and Justin Peperak of Connellsville, MacKenzie and Baylee Peperak of Boonsboro, Maryland; and Graham and Claire Peperak of Dillsburg, Pa.

Jean is also survived by her brother, George Hawk and wife Connie of White, Pa.; son-in-law, Steven O’Donnell; and her many nieces and nephews who Jean loved as part of her own family.

In addition to her large family, Jean will be sadly missed by her loving kitty, Noelle, and her numerous other four-legged grandchildren who loved visiting her at her home.

The Peperak family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Jean’s caretakers, Tammy, Beverly, Shirley, Ruthie, Diane, Karen, and Joel — as well as the devoted staff at Heartland Hospice who provided exceptional care to Jean over the years.

Jean’s life will be celebrated at BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 East Green Street, Connellsville (724.628.1430) where here family and friends will be received from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday.

A Blessing Service will be held on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in the Saint Rita Roman Catholic Church, Connellsville, with Rev. Robert T. Lubic as celebrant.

A Committal Service and Interment will follow in Saint John’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Brookvale, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Connellsville Partner Parish of Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 116 2nd Street, Connellsville, PA 15425 or to Andy’s Army, c/o Scottdale Bank 125 South Arch Street, Connellsville, PA 15425 in memory of Jean Ann Peperak.

To leave a message or send condolences, please visit www.brooksfuneralhomes.com

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