Jessie Pauline Polich

Polich, Jessie Pauline (Rafa)
Jessie Pauline (Rafa) Polich, 93, died peacefully in Tempe, Arizona on February 21, 2011. She was born March 13, 1917 to Angelina (Thomasawski) and Anthony Rafa. Jessie grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She married John Joseph Polich March 17, 1944 and moved to Iowa a few years later, where they raised four children together. Following John's death in 1987, Jessie relocated to Arizona to be near her daughter and enjoy the warm weather. Survivors include her son John M. (Deborah) Polich, Encinitas, California; Richard L. Polich, Bernalillo, New Mexico; Patricia A. (Robert) Scieszinski, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin; and Carolyn M. (Stevon) Watson, Tempe, Arizona; five grandchildren, Daniel R. (Kimberley) Scieszinski, Michael A. Scieszinski, Alan (Lisa) Scieszinski, Elizabeth J. Watson, and John Miles Watson; one brother in law, Larry (Mary) Polich, Mission, Texas; and nieces and nephews. Jessie worked hard all her life, leaving school after 8th grade to help support her family during the Depression years. She waitressed and did factory work, and was a farm wife. She was active in her church and volunteered at school. She said countless rosaries for peace and for her family. Jessie always valued education and in her fifties went back to school to obtain her high school equivalency degree. She always encouraged her children to pursue their education and was proud that they all have college degrees. A "city girl" who moved to rural Iowa, she taught herself how to cook, bake, can and sew for her family. Her fried chicken, apple pies, and rolls were legend. Over the years countless church or school bake sales benefited from her donated baked goods. She loved to dance and was always ready for a party! Though in her last years her memory failed her, she maintained her quirky sense of humor and her way of showing hospitality to any visitor. A memorial service will be held in Tempe on Saturday, April 2, 2011, 10am at Tempe Mortuary, 405 E Southern Ave. Mass of the Christian burial will be celebrated May 28th at Ankeny Memorial Gardens, 4208 North Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny, IA.
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