Giovanna "Jeanne" Pritchard

NILES - Giovanna S. "Jeanne" Pritchard, 78, went to be with The Lord at 6:50 pm on Sunday, May 26, 2013 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center surrounded by family and friends.  She courageously fought to stay with us after complications from longterm diabetes and a stroke suffered eights months ago, all this with no complaints. It was her unending love for her family that propelled her struggle for survival. She was born in Formicola, Naples, Italy on December 9, 1934 the daughter of Vincenzo and Angela Simone.  She convinced her mother to move to America, the land of opportunity in 1954. Her love for America came during the Italian war when the American soldiers came to support the Italians.  She said they were like angels that came to restore peace and that is when she developed a love for this country.  So in three separate trips, all five siblings and parents came from her home city of Formicola on the famous ship the Andrea Doria. Her life revolved around her children, grandkids, nieces, nephews, brother and sisters.  She always defended the children and was named "the attorney for the children" as they could do no wrong in her eyes. After raising her grandchildren, she fell in love with her grand puppy Sonnie, whom she called "my little joy" and referred to him as an angel sent from heaven.  They had an unconditional bond for each other.  She loved all animals when raising her kids they always had pets from dogs, cats, ducks, geese, chickens even a pet rat.  She even fed Rosie the rat Italian food and found love for them all. She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, spent years caring for the elderly, sitting with them, spending time and cooking for them.  No one could ever leave Giovanna's home without being full from her wonderful cooking.  Everyone fell in love with her for her kind gentle heart as she passed no judgment and loved everyone and found the good in all.  She is now with the Lord and heaven has become an even better place to dwell with her spirit there. Giovanna is survived by her devoted son, Brian L. (Beth) Pritchard of Niles; loving daughter, Chrissy (Charles) Repomonto III of Palmdale, California; grandson, whom she raised like a son, Tyler Gajda of Niles; beautiful granddaughter, Alexa Repomonto of Palmdale, California; brother, Frank Simone of Girard; three sisters, Mary (Paul) Gerthung of Girard, Christine Buccieri of Girard, Teresa (Charles) Scaglione of Palmdale, California; many nieces, nephews and friends who will all agree it is our loss but heavens gain. She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband, James E. Pritchard, her very special Zia Margherita, brother-in-law, Robert Buccieri and sister-in-law, Domenica Simone. Calling Hours will be Thursday, May 30, 2013 from 4 to 7 pm at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home where the Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 6:30 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 31, 2013 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Church, McDonald preceded by a 9:15 am prayer service at the funeral home.  Rev. John-Michael Lavelle will be the celebrant.  Burial will be in Girard City Cemetery.