MARENE PESTOVIC (nee Skufca), age 78. Beloved wife of 59 years to John Sr. Loving mother of John Jr. (Jane) and Edward. Cherished grandmother of Benjamin Pestovic. Dear sister of Sharon Franks (Bill Hertzel) and Sheila Pankratz, better known as the twins, Rah-Rah and She-She. Also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. With great sadness her boys announce the passing of their treasured mother, after her hard-fought battles with both dementia and Parkinson’s. Born to John and Vivian Scufca in Lakewood, Ohio.
The lights of her life were her boys, sons John Jr. (Jane) and Edward and his son Benjamin. She’d always wanted 8 boys, but her three were thrilled to receive all her love and not have to share with 5 more.
Putting her heart and soul into her work as an Educational Aide in the Parma City School system for 24 years at Thoreau Park, Dentzler and Dag Hammerskjold Elementary Schools, she touched the hearts and minds of the teachers she worked with while helping to mold countless young lives with her caring and creativity.
Affectionately known as The Pie Lady she was forever baking pies of all sorts for friends and family at holidays, special occasions and just because she loved to make them, even once doing 28 for a “niece’s” wedding in lieu of a cake at the bride’s request. Her crust was legendary. . .and come to think of it, so were her lemon squares.
Marene was a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 30 Women’s’ Auxiliary and a regular volunteer at the Cleveland Veterans Hospital. An avid bowler, she loved hanging out with her girlfriends at the alley and off the lanes while shopping and lunching. Unbeknownst to many, she enjoyed taking classes at Tri-C, continuing to express her creativity in art classes.
She adored having the chance to spend lengthy vacations in Texas with her grandson in his early years, devouring his little feet and toes. She also managed to do quite a bit of traveling through the years because of her son John’s career in the U.S. Navy, visiting him and her daughter-in-law at many of their various postings.
Celebration of Life Service Saturday December 10, 2022 at the funeral home 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends SATURDAY December 10, 2022 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS (WEST OF I-71).
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.