Jean J. Sawich Ripepi, 91, of Monongahela, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in the Mon Valley Care Center. Born May 2, 1931, in Monessen, she was the daughter of John and Katherine Mazepa Sawich. Jean graduated in 1949 from Monessen High School, and then earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from California University of Pennsylvania. Jean began working as a teacher in the Monongahela School District, where she met her future husband Angelo, and for many years continued working as a substitute teacher at various schools throughout the Mon Valley and eventually retiring in 1996 from the South Park School District. A member of St. Andrew the Apostle in Monongahela, she was a member of their Ladies of Charity and AR/CM along with volunteering at the University of Pittsburgh in their education department. Jean was also active in the Science Education Society, P.S.E.A., the Ladies Auxiliary at MVH and the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Monessen. Jean is survived by her husband of 65 years, Angelo A. Ripepi, whom she married June 8, 1957; a son and daughter-in-law, Mark (Paula) Ripepi of Harrison City, Pa.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer (Thomas) Sendek of Washington and Annette (William) Hough of Towson, Md.; grandchildren, Michael, Missy (Joe), John (Chelsea), Marina, Elaina (Alex), Ruth and Katie; and one great-granddaughter, Sofia Marie. Jean was preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph, Walter and John Sawich; five sisters, Carrie Worley, Stella Pasco, Eva Romey-Latkanich, Cecelia Karpinski and Rosemary Battaglia-Coufal; and a granddaughter, Bekah Hough, who died Nov. 21, 2004. Friends will be received at MARSHALL MARRA FUNERAL HOME, 216 Chess St., Monongahela, 724-258-6767, from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Blessing prayers will be held in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Andrew the Apostle Parish beginning at 10 a.m. Entombment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Carroll Township. Donations can be made in Jean’s name to either the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1701 Grand Blvd., Monessen, PA 15062 or St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 722 W. Main St., Monongahela, PA 15063.
